Marist University
Marist University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Marist University at a Glance
Marist University is a private university in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States. Marist was founded by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious institute, in 1905 to prepare brothers for their vocations as educators. In 1929, Marist became accredited by the state to offer a wider range of degrees in the arts and sciences. Marist's 180-acre main campus overlooks the Hudson River. Marist has a branch campus in Florence, Italy. A member of NCAA Division I, Marist sponsors 23 collegiate sports. …
1929
97 years old
$585M
$585 million (2025)
6,356
5,037 undergrad · 958 grad
232
240 acres
Identity
Is Marist University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Marist University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $77,819 — 45% above average — while paying $41,544/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 80% graduation rate means roughly 20% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Marist University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Marist University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #11 of 16 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 | Illinois Institute of Technology | 83 | $18,425 | $82,592 |
| #2 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | 69 | $22,453 | $89,070 |
| #3 | University of San Diego | 59 | $30,365 | $86,522 |
| #4 | University of Dayton | 52 | $29,533 | $75,537 |
| #5 | Drake University | 47 | $29,127 | $71,901 |
| #6 | Stonehill College | 46 | $33,016 | $77,745 |
| #11 | Marist University | 37 | $41,544 | $77,819 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Marist University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NY.
Best Programs at Marist University
The highest-earning program at Marist University is Computer Science at $74,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $29,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Marist University earns $74,700, while a Biology, General graduate earns $29,100. 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: Computer Science graduates carry $23,250 in median debt vs. $24,719 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $41,544/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $74,700 | $74,700 | $23,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $73,400 | $73,400 | $27,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $60,800 | $60,800 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $56,500 | $56,500 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,100 | $48,100 | $26,000 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $45,800 | $45,800 | $24,961 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $42,000 | $42,000 | $25,250 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $40,300 | $40,300 | N/A |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $39,200 | $39,200 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $36,600 | $36,600 | $25,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $34,700 | $34,700 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, Other | $34,500 | $34,500 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $32,700 | $32,700 | $25,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $31,600 | $31,600 | $21,500 |
| Political Science and Government | $31,200 | $31,200 | $26,399 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,100 | $30,100 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $29,100 | $29,100 | $24,719 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- Student Body
- 5,182 students
- Admission Rate
- 57%
- Graduation Rate
- 80%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $41,544
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $77,819
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000