Median Earnings (1yr)
$58,880
95th percentile (60th in IN)
Median Debt
$42,138
62% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.72
Manageable
Sample Size
469
Adequate data

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

Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionOther business administration, management and operations programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion$58,880$62,714$42,1380.72
Grace College and Theological Seminary$62,251$49,304$20,1040.32
Ball State University$60,526$59,631$20,5000.34
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global$58,880$62,714$42,1380.72
Purdue University Global$57,308$52,586$45,1760.79
Purdue University-Main Campus$57,106$71,553$19,5000.34
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.