Marian University
Marian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Marian University at a Glance
Marian University is a private Catholic university in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, United States. It was founded in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes, which continues to sponsor the university today.
1936
90 years old
1,319
1,074 undergrad · 245 grad
78 acres
Identity
Is Marian University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Marian University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,501 — 1% below average — while paying $21,937/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.
A 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
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 WI
Ranked #130 of 197 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #130 | Marian University | 26 | $21,937 | $53,501 |
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%). 5 in WI.
Best Programs at Marian University
The highest-earning program at Marian University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $34,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Marian University earns $56,100, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $34,100. 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 $25,250 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,937/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 | $56,100 | $56,100 | $25,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $47,800 | $47,800 | $25,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,100 | $42,100 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,100 | $37,100 | $27,750 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $34,100 | $34,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Fond Du Lac, WI
- Student Body
- 1,010 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,937
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,501
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000