Marian University
Marian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Marian University at a Glance
Marian University is a private Roman Catholic university in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1851 by the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana, the college moved to Indianapolis in 1937. Marian was known as Marian College from 1936 until 2009. As of 2017, enrollment included 2,431 undergraduate students, 1,164 graduate students, and 650 doctoral students. Marian University athletes have won national championships in several sports.
1851
175 years old
$108M
$107.7 million (2021)
3,595
2,431 undergrad · 1,164 grad
166
120 acres
Identity
Is Marian University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Marian University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,759 — 9% above average — while paying $24,018/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 95% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Marian University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Marian University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #38 of 134 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 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #4 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #5 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #38 | Marian University | 39 | $24,018 | $58,759 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Marian University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in IN.
Best Programs at Marian University
The highest-earning program at Marian University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $20,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Marian University earns $57,100, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $20,600. 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 $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,018/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 | $57,100 | $57,100 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,100 | $44,100 | $29,500 |
| Marketing | $38,300 | $38,300 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,900 | $36,900 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $20,600 | $20,600 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Indianapolis, IN
- Student Body
- 2,266 students
- Admission Rate
- 95%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,018
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,759
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000