Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion at a Glance
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a private evangelical Christian university headquartered in Marion, Indiana, and affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It is the largest private university in Indiana.
1920
106 years old
$310M
$309.9 million (2025)
2,140
350 acres
Identity
Is Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Worth It?
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion offers moderate value at $22,866/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $59,986, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 67% graduation rate means roughly 33% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #22 of 148 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #4 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #5 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #6 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #22 | Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | 44 | $22,866 | $59,986 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in IN.
Best Programs at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
The highest-earning program at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $62,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries at $23,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion earns $62,100, while a Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduate earns $23,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,917 in median debt vs. $23,625 for Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,866/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,100 | $62,100 | $22,917 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $52,900 | $52,900 | $26,168 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,400 | $50,400 | $28,125 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $48,000 | $48,000 | $26,563 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $45,100 | $45,100 | $37,625 |
| Marketing | $43,100 | $43,100 | $25,000 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $35,700 | $35,700 | $28,135 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,400 | $35,400 | $22,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $35,300 | $35,300 | $21,545 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $34,800 | $34,800 | $26,546 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,900 | $33,900 | $22,350 |
| Human Services, General | $32,100 | $32,100 | $25,686 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $32,000 | $32,000 | $23,420 |
| Psychology, General | $29,900 | $29,900 | $23,563 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $29,500 | $29,500 | $26,563 |
| Social Work | $26,500 | $26,500 | $27,651 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $23,500 | $23,500 | $23,625 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Marion, IN
- Student Body
- 1,974 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 67%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,866
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,986
- Median Student Debt
- $24,250