Skip to main content
82.9%Acceptance
$38,974Tuition
1,035Students
58%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$57,180Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Marietta College

Marietta College builds engineers and leaders along Ohio's historic river town landscape. The 1,035-student liberal arts college earned its reputation through a standout petroleum engineering program that attracts students to this small town setting. Harley Procter co-founded Procter & Gamble after studying here, while George Washington Crile went on to establish the Cleveland Clinic. The campus sits where the Muskingum River meets the Ohio, creating a backdrop that feels both historic and intimate.

Students pay an average net price of $18,372 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $57,180 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment averages $286, which represents a manageable portion of what most alumni earn. With 97.3% of graduates finding employment, the investment generally pays off.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Nearly half of students compete in the school's 18 varsity sports as Pioneers in Division III competition. About 73% of students stick around for their second year, suggesting most find their fit in this river town environment.

Academics & Faculty

Marietta College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore broad academic disciplines while developing critical thinking skills across multiple fields. The school's petroleum engineering program stands out nationally, drawing students interested in energy sector careers. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey. The college's 54% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face in completing their degrees on time. Small class sizes mean students engage directly with faculty in research and discussion-based learning. The liberal arts approach prepares graduates for diverse career paths, with 97% finding employment after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
99.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
54.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
58.1%
Retention Rate
73.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$57,180
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $109,763
Petroleum Engineering. Bachelor $71,575
Marketing. Bachelor $36,134
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. Bachelor $35,416
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $34,526
Journalism. Bachelor $29,685

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

Marietta College sits along the Muskingum River in southeastern Ohio, about two hours from Columbus and Pittsburgh. With 1,035 students on a compact campus, you'll recognize most faces by sophomore year. The student-faculty ratio of 9:1 means professors know your name and track your progress. Ohio winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring brings perfect weather for riverside walks.

Nearly all undergraduates live on campus, with housing capacity for 1,185 students creating a tight-knit residential community. The historic brick buildings and tree-lined walkways give the campus a classic college feel. Weekend activities center around the 18 varsity sports teams, with many of the 483 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III. Students often gather at the campus pub or head to nearby Marietta's downtown district for coffee shops and restaurants. River activities like kayaking and fishing are popular when weather permits. The small-town setting means most entertainment happens on campus, fostering close friendships and school traditions that define the Pioneer experience.
Setting
Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity
1,185 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1835

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 2 2 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–39°F
July Avg
63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
85.0"
Annual Snowfall
38.9"

Student Demographics

Students at this Ohio liberal arts college come primarily from within state borders, with 72% hailing from Ohio communities. The student body reflects the school's strong local reputation and affordable access, as over a quarter receive Pell Grants. Men slightly outnumber women at 52%, likely drawn by Marietta's nationally recognized petroleum engineering program. The demographics show a school that serves middle-class Ohio families while attracting students specifically interested in technical programs. White students make up 83% of enrollment, typical for small Appalachian region colleges with strong ties to local industry.
Men
52.1%
Women
47.9%
White
83.4%
Black
4.4%
Hispanic
3.3%
Asian
0.4%
In-State Students
72.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.1%

Location

Marietta sits along the Muskingum River in southeastern Ohio, about 120 miles southeast of Columbus. The town of 13,000 residents creates a classic college atmosphere where students make up roughly 8% of the local population. Founded in 1788, Marietta ranks among Ohio's oldest settlements and showcases well-preserved Victorian architecture throughout its historic downtown. The surrounding region offers outdoor recreation along the Ohio River and rolling Appalachian foothills. With 72% of students coming from Ohio, the college draws heavily from in-state applicants seeking a small-town liberal arts experience. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Marietta College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Marietta, Ohio 45750
Erwin Hall, Marietta College
Erwin Hall, Marietta College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$57,180
Median Earnings (5 years)
$62,638
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$45,400
Loan Repayment Rate
70.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Marietta College?

Marietta College accepts 82.85% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1035. The school looks for students who fit its close-knit liberal arts community rather than chasing ultra-selective admissions numbers.

How much does Marietta College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,372 despite a sticker price of $52,994. The college provides institutional grants averaging $28,786 to help make this historic Ohio institution accessible to middle-class families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Marietta College?

Marietta maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,035 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and strong mentorship relationships between professors and students.

What do Marietta College graduates earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median of $57,180 ten years after graduation with a 97.3% employment rate. The school's strong petroleum engineering program and liberal arts foundation prepare graduates for diverse career paths in Ohio and beyond.

Where is Marietta College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits along the Muskingum River in historic Marietta, Ohio, founded in 1835. With housing for 1,185 students and 18 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, the Pioneers create a tight-knit college town atmosphere.

Is Marietta College known for any particular academic programs?

Marietta College is particularly well-known for its petroleum engineering program, which leverages Ohio's energy industry connections. The school has educated notable alumni including Harley Procter of Procter & Gamble and Cleveland Clinic founder George Washington Crile.