Martin University: $12,830 Tuition

$12,830Tuition

164Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$22,544Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearLiberal ArtsData: 2023-24

About Martin University

Martin University serves a unique mission in Indianapolis as a historically Black institution that focuses on adult and non-traditional learners. With just 164 students, this small private university creates an intimate learning environment where students get personal attention from faculty. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors well. Founded in 1977, Martin specializes in programs that help working adults complete their degrees, often through flexible scheduling and support services designed for students juggling jobs and families.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $13,879 after aid, but graduates earn a median of just $22,544 ten years after graduation. With median debt of $42,002 and monthly loan payments of $445, the math is challenging. Only 14.55% of borrowers are successfully paying down their loans. The low earnings compared to debt load makes this a risky financial investment for most students.

Martin's student body is 83% Black and 70% female, with all students coming from Indiana. The 33% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many adult learners face in completing their degrees. However, the 93% employment rate shows that graduates do find work, even if the pay is modest. This school works best for students who need flexible programs and strong support systems rather than those focused on maximizing earnings potential.

Academics & Faculty

Martin University focuses on serving working adults and first-generation college students, particularly in Indianapolis's African American community. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, classes are small and professors know students personally. However, the 33% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work, family, and school. The university offers practical degree programs in business, social work, and community leadership designed for students who need flexible schedules. Most students work full-time while attending classes, which explains why only 26% graduate in four years. The school's mission centers on providing affordable education to students who might not succeed at traditional universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 66.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 25.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.3%
Retention Rate: 75.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $22,544
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$44,356

View all 27 programs →

Campus Life

Martin University sits in Indianapolis, making it easy to explore the city's downtown museums, sports venues, and job opportunities. With only 164 students total, you'll know most of your classmates by name within your first semester. The campus feels more like a close-knit community college than a big university. Indianapolis winters require a good coat and boots, with snow from December through March, while summers hit the 80s and call for air conditioning.

The student body is 82.93% Black and 70.12% women, creating a supportive environment where many students share similar backgrounds and experiences. Since 100% of students come from Indiana, most commute from home rather than living in dorms. This means campus life revolves around classes and study groups rather than weekend parties. Students often head to downtown Indianapolis for entertainment, taking advantage of the city's restaurants, Pacers games, and cultural events. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know you personally and can provide the individual attention that helps explain the school's 75% retention rate.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1977

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–34°F
July Avg: 64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.6"
Annual Snowfall: 26.7"

Student Demographics

Martin University draws students who want to stay close to home while pursuing higher education, with 100% of students coming from Indiana. The school serves primarily Black students (83% of enrollment) and women make up about 70% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong programs in fields like social work, counseling, and community leadership that traditionally attract more women. With 66% of students receiving Pell Grants, Martin focuses on making college accessible to first-generation and lower-income families in Indianapolis who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a four-year university.

Men: 29.9%
Women: 70.1%
White: 1.2%
Black: 82.9%
Hispanic: 3.1%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 65.5%

Location

Martin University sits in Indianapolis, Indiana's capital and largest city with over 880,000 residents. The campus operates in an urban environment where students have access to internships, jobs, and cultural activities that come with a major metropolitan area. Indianapolis anchors the Midwest with its mix of corporate headquarters, healthcare systems, and government offices. The city's downtown core sits just miles from the university, offering everything from professional sports teams to music venues. Students can reach Chicago in about three hours by car, while Cincinnati and Louisville are both under two hours away. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Martin University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Indianapolis, Indiana 46218-0567

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $22,544
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,580
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 14.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $445/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $42,002

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Martin University?

The university enrolls 164 students with women making up 70% of the campus. Martin University serves primarily African American students, with 83% of students identifying as Black, making it one of the most diverse historically Black institutions in Indianapolis.

How much does Martin University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,879 annually, with 65% receiving financial aid. The university keeps costs relatively affordable for low-income families, charging students from families earning under $30,000 just $10,379 after aid.

What are class sizes like at Martin University?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 11:1, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. This intimate learning environment allows professors to work closely with students in Martin University's career-focused programs.

What do graduates earn after attending Martin University?

Alumni earn a median salary of $22,544 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 92.9%. The university focuses on practical career preparation, though graduates typically carry $42,002 in debt with monthly loan payments of $445.

How successful are students at graduating from Martin University?

The six-year graduation rate is 33%, with 26% completing their degree in four years. Martin University retains 75% of first-year students, reflecting the supportive community environment despite academic challenges many students face.

Where do Martin University students come from?

All students are Indiana residents, with 100% coming from in-state. Founded in 1977, Martin University has built strong ties with the Indianapolis community, serving local students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.