Business Administration, Management and Operations at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion's business program commands premium tuition but delivers earnings that place graduates in the 95th percentile nationally—a 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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion graduates compare to all programs nationally
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (41 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary | $62,251 | $49,304 | $20,104 | 0.32 |
| Ball State University | $60,526 | $59,631 | $20,500 | 0.34 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 |
| Purdue University Global | $57,308 | $52,586 | $45,176 | 0.79 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $57,106 | $71,553 | $19,500 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake | $30,034 | $62,251 | $20,104 |
| Ball State University Muncie | $10,758 | $60,526 | $20,500 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global Marion | $8,216 | $58,880 | $42,138 |
| Purdue University Global West Lafayette | $10,110 | $57,308 | $45,176 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette | $9,992 | $57,106 | $19,500 |
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.