At $23,594/yr net price, Marian University graduates earn $58,759/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,759/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,594 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,376 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,759/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,759/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,435/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,235/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,711/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,398/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,074/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. | Bachelor | $58,464 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,595 | $26,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $27,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,383 | $20,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,590 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,808 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,439 | $24,625 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
60.9% of students at Marian University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Marian University sits in the middle for financial return. Ten-year median earnings land near $59,000 against a net price just under $24,000 a year, so the payoff is real but modest, and it hinges almost entirely on what you study.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays about $58,000 out of the gate, which nearly matches the school-wide median that includes graduates a decade into their careers. Indianapolis has a deep hospital network, so nursing grads step into a regional job market that actually hires them. If you come to Marian for nursing, the numbers work.
Business, accounting, and marketing all cluster in the mid-$40,000s while carrying the same $26,500 to $27,500 debt load as nursing. You take on identical debt for roughly $13,000 less in early earnings. That gap doesn't erase the value, but it does mean the math is tighter and your first years will be leaner.
Teacher education is the weak spot. At about $38,000 with $27,000 in debt, your debt equals more than two-thirds of a full year's pay. Indiana teacher salaries are what they are, and no amount of borrowing changes that ceiling. Go in knowing the repayment will pinch.
The debt itself is the main risk. Every program carries roughly $27,000 regardless of what you'll earn, so a lower-paying major here costs the same to finance as the highest-paying one.
The net price tiers are the odd part. Families earning under $30,000 pay more ($24,435) than families in the $30,000 to $48,000 band ($20,235). If your income is very low, the sticker relief you'd expect isn't there, and you should compare aid offers closely before committing.
Come here for nursing and the return justifies the cost. For teaching or business, run your own repayment numbers first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marian University worth the cost for the ROI?
Marian University graduates earn a median of $58,759 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable given the $23,594 annual net price. The nursing programs offer the strongest return on investment with graduates earning around $58,464, while business and education majors see lower starting salaries in the mid-40s.
What are the best paying majors at Marian University?
Nursing programs at Marian University provide the highest earnings potential, with graduates making around $58,464 annually. Business administration graduates earn about $47,595, while education majors typically start around $45,383.
How much debt do Marian University students typically graduate with?
Marian University students graduate with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, the 61% graduation rate means many students take on debt without completing their degree.
Is Marian University's graduation rate a red flag for prospective students?
The 61% graduation rate at Marian University is below the national average and indicates significant risk for students who may not complete their degree. Students should carefully consider their academic preparedness and financial situation before enrolling.