Business Administration, Management and Operations at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Bachelor's Degree
indwes.eduAnalysis
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion's business program commands premium tuition but delivers earnings that place graduates in the 95th percentile nationallyβa rare combination of high cost and high performance. While the $42,138 median debt significantly exceeds both national and state averages of $26,000, first-year earnings of $58,880 create a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.72, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals repayment difficulties.
The program's performance within Indiana tells a nuanced story. Though it ranks at the 60th percentile among state business programs, it's essentially tied with the university's national campus and sits just behind Ball State University, a much larger public institution. This suggests IWU-Marion holds its own against established competitors while offering a more intimate learning environment than typical business programs.
For families willing to invest in private education, this program justifies its premium pricing through exceptional national performance and solid career outcomes. The combination of low debt burden relative to earnings and steady 7% growth over four years creates a foundation for financial stability. Parents should feel confident this investment will pay dividends, though they should expect to pay significantly more than at public alternatives for comparable earning potential within Indiana.
Where Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $58,880 | $62,714 | +7% |
| Saint Mary's College | $52,891 | $74,163 | +40% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $57,106 | $71,553 | +25% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $58,880 | $62,714 | +7% |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $53,101 | $61,260 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,168 | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 | |
| $30,034 | $62,251 | $49,304 | $20,104 | 0.32 | |
| $10,758 | $60,526 | $59,631 | $20,500 | 0.34 | |
| $8,216 | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 | |
| $10,110 | $57,308 | $52,586 | $45,176 | 0.79 | |
| $9,992 | $57,106 | $71,553 | $19,500 | 0.34 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 469 graduates with reported earnings and 553 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.