At $23,341/yr net price, Marian University graduates earn $53,501/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,501/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,341 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,501/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,501/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,155/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,978/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,296/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,839/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,866/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,510 | $42,000 |
| 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 | $21,141 |
| 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 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Marian University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Marian University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a concerning 41% graduation rate that severely undermines any investment you make here. Your chances of completing your degree are worse than a coin flip, making this a high-risk financial bet regardless of program quality.
Nursing stands out as the clear exception, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually in the top-tier program. Even the lower-tier nursing track produces $59,000 earners with manageable debt loads around $21,000. Business administration also shows strong returns at $88,000, making these two fields your best bets for positive ROI at Marian.
Education programs tell a different story. Teachers earn just $54,644 after graduation, barely above the school median despite requiring specialized training. With typical student debt loads, you'll struggle to justify the investment in education here when state schools offer similar preparation at lower costs.
The retention rate of 62% signals that many students transfer out after freshman year, potentially losing credits and extending time to degree. This creates additional hidden costs beyond the $23,341 annual price tag. Only 32% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities for middle-income families.
You should consider Marian only if you're committed to nursing or business and can handle the academic rigor needed to stay enrolled. The school works for focused, academically prepared students who can handle the high dropout environment. Everyone else should look at Wisconsin public universities, which offer better graduation rates and lower costs for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marian University worth the cost?
Marian University's value depends heavily on your major - nursing graduates earn strong salaries around $60,000-$104,000, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $53,501 barely justify the $23,341 annual cost. The 41% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Marian University?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI at Marian University, with some specializations earning over $100,000 annually. Business administration graduates average $88,198, while education majors typically earn $54,000-$73,000.
How much debt do Marian University graduates have?
Marian University graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but problematic for lower-earning programs. Education majors earning $54,644 may struggle with loan payments relative to their income.
Should I attend Marian University if I'm not studying nursing?
Consider other options if you're not pursuing nursing or business at Marian University. The low graduation rate and modest earnings for most programs make the investment risky, especially given the annual cost of over $23,000.