Madonna University
Madonna University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Madonna University at a Glance
Madonna University is a private Catholic university in Livonia, Michigan, United States. It was founded as the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Junior College by the Felician Sisters in 1937. It became Madonna College in 1947 and Madonna University in 1991.
1937
89 years old
2,154
1,839 undergrad · 315 grad
80 acres
Identity
Is Madonna University Worth It?
Madonna University offers moderate value at $17,755/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $59,058, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Madonna University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MI
Ranked #5 of 72 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 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #2 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #5 | Madonna University | 49 | $17,755 | $59,058 |
| #6 | Daemen University | 48 | $18,693 | $61,808 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Madonna University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in MI.
Best Programs at Madonna University
The highest-earning program at Madonna University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $35,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Madonna University earns $58,600, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $35,600. 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 $35,250 in median debt vs. $16,810 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,755/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 | $58,600 | $58,600 | $35,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,600 | $35,600 | $16,810 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Livonia, MI
- Student Body
- 1,632 students
- Admission Rate
- 63%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,755
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,058
- Median Student Debt
- $23,000