About Marian University
Marian University builds teachers and nurses in the heart of Wisconsin's Fox Valley. This Catholic liberal arts college enrolls just 1,050 students in Fond du Lac, creating an intimate academic environment. The school has carved out a reputation for strong education and nursing programs that prepare students for service-oriented careers. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name rather than student ID number.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with some caveats. Students pay an average net price of $23,341 after aid, below the sticker price of $33,000. Graduates earn a median of $53,501 ten years after leaving, though the 41% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Those who do graduate typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265. The school keeps 97.1% of graduates employed, which helps with those loan obligations.
Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like education and nursing. The campus houses 501 students, creating a close-knit residential experience. With 17 varsity sports and 347 student-athletes, nearly one-third of students compete at the NCAA Division III level.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with some caveats. Students pay an average net price of $23,341 after aid, below the sticker price of $33,000. Graduates earn a median of $53,501 ten years after leaving, though the 41% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Those who do graduate typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265. The school keeps 97.1% of graduates employed, which helps with those loan obligations.
Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like education and nursing. The campus houses 501 students, creating a close-knit residential experience. With 17 varsity sports and 347 student-athletes, nearly one-third of students compete at the NCAA Division III level.
Academics & Faculty
Marian University centers its academics around Catholic liberal arts education, with particularly strong programs in education and nursing that attract many of its 1,050 students. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name and can provide personalized attention. However, the 41% six-year graduation rate suggests students may struggle to complete their degrees, despite the small class sizes. The university's Catholic identity infuses the curriculum with service learning and ethical reflection across disciplines. Education majors benefit from extensive field experience in local schools, while nursing students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs before entering clinical rotations.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 93.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.2%
- Retention Rate
- 62.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,501
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,510 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,198 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $73,635 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,320 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Certificate | $54,644 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,235 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,461 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $34,420 |
Campus Life
Campus life unfolds on a compact 85-acre campus where 48% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 501 students total. The small-city setting of Fond du Lac sits about 65 miles northwest of Milwaukee, close enough for weekend trips but removed from urban distractions. Wisconsin winters demand heavy coats and boots, with snow covering campus from December through March.
With 1,050 students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, everyone knows everyone. The 64% female student body creates a close-knit community where Catholic values shape campus traditions and service opportunities. Students gather for weekly Mass and campus ministry events that draw significant participation. Weekend activities center around the 17 NCAA Division III sports teams, which engage 347 student-athletes in competition. When not cheering at games, students head to nearby Lake Winnebago for outdoor recreation or make the hour drive to Milwaukee for concerts and cultural events. The Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference provides regular competition that brings students together for school spirit events throughout the academic year.
With 1,050 students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, everyone knows everyone. The 64% female student body creates a close-knit community where Catholic values shape campus traditions and service opportunities. Students gather for weekly Mass and campus ministry events that draw significant participation. Weekend activities center around the 17 NCAA Division III sports teams, which engage 347 student-athletes in competition. When not cheering at games, students head to nearby Lake Winnebago for outdoor recreation or make the hour drive to Milwaukee for concerts and cultural events. The Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference provides regular competition that brings students together for school spirit events throughout the academic year.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 501 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1936
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 9°–24°F
- July Avg
- 61°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 29.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 37.0"
Student Demographics
Marian draws primarily from Wisconsin families who value its Catholic liberal arts mission. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the university's strong nursing and education programs that traditionally attract female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing Marian serves many first-generation college students from working-class backgrounds. The predominantly white student body mirrors the demographics of small-town Wisconsin, though the university has been working to increase diversity. Students tend to be academically average but motivated by the school's hands-on approach to career preparation.
- Men
- 36.0%
- Women
- 64.0%
- White
- 67.7%
- Black
- 6.9%
- Hispanic
- 9.9%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 63.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.7%
Location
Marian University sits in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, a city of about 43,000 residents located 65 miles northwest of Milwaukee. The campus occupies 90 acres along the southern shore of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake. Fond du Lac blends small-city amenities with outdoor recreation opportunities, from lakefront activities to nearby hiking trails. The area maintains a strong manufacturing presence alongside growing healthcare and education sectors. Winter temperatures average in the low 20s, while summers reach the mid-70s. The Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference includes several Wisconsin schools that create regional rivalries. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Marian University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin 54935-4699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,501
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,734
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Marian University?
Marian University accepts 71.55% of applicants with an average ACT score of 20. This Catholic liberal arts college draws students who value smaller class sizes and personal attention in their college experience.
How much does Marian University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,341 despite a sticker price of $33,000 for tuition. The school keeps costs manageable with institutional grants averaging $14,246 for about 21% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Marian University?
Marian maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,050 total students enrolled. The college emphasizes close mentorship and hands-on learning in its education and nursing programs.
What are the graduation rates at Marian University?
Only 45.56% of students graduate in four years, with the six-year rate reaching 41.20%. Despite these challenges, graduates earn a median salary of $53,501 ten years after enrollment.
Where is Marian University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, a small city setting that houses 501 students on campus. With 64% women and strong Catholic roots dating to 1936, the community emphasizes service and faith-based learning.
Does Marian University offer athletic scholarships?
Marian provides $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 17 varsity sports with 347 total athletes. The school competes in NCAA Division III, where athletic aid is prohibited but academic merit scholarships remain available.
