At $10,137/yr net price, Marion Military Institute graduates earn $59,644/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,644/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,137 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,548 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,644/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,644/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,713/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,128/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,843/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,984/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,616/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
31.5% of students at Marion Military Institute graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Marion Military Institute gives you a low-cost path with a strong payoff signal, but the numbers come with real caveats. The median debt of $9,250 is low, and median earnings a decade out land near $60,000. For a public two-year school in rural Alabama, that combination is unusually good on paper.
The catch is what the school actually reports at the program level. The only program with earnings data is the Liberal Arts and Sciences associate degree, and it pays about $18,771 a year with $12,000 in debt. That is a bad standalone return. That gap between the school-wide median and this program tells you the $59,644 figure is not coming from people who stop at this associate degree. Marion is a junior college and prep school built to transfer you into a four-year institution or a military commission. The earnings payoff shows up later, downstream, not from the credential you finish here.
The 31.5% graduation rate is the biggest risk. If you enroll planning to complete and transfer and you don't, you carry cost with little to show for it. This school works financially only if you use it as a stepping stone and follow through.
Net price barely moves with income. Families under $30,000 pay about $8,713, and families over $110,000 pay $13,616. There is no steep discount for low-income families here, so the aid structure is flat compared to schools that heavily subsidize the bottom tier.
This is a good financial fit if you want a cheap, disciplined launch toward a four-year degree or military service and you will finish. If you want a terminal associate degree that pays on its own, the reported program earnings say look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marion Military Institute worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Marion Military Institute has a relatively low net price at $10,137 annually, but graduates earn only $59,644 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average. The 31% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.
What is the return on investment for Marion Military Institute graduates?
With median debt of $9,250 and ten-year earnings of $59,644, Marion Military Institute graduates face a manageable debt load but modest earning potential. The low graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky.
Do Marion Military Institute's programs lead to good-paying jobs?
The top programs at Marion Military Institute are Liberal Arts and General Studies, which typically lead to lower-paying careers averaging $18,771 annually. Students should consider whether these fields align with their career goals and salary expectations.
How much debt do Marion Military Institute students typically graduate with?
Marion Military Institute graduates have a median debt of $9,250, which is relatively low compared to national averages. However, the school's 31% graduation rate means most students who start don't finish, potentially leaving them with debt but no degree.