Business/Commerce at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Indiana Wesleyan's associate degree in business delivers first-year earnings of $49,463—35% above the national median and among the top 5% of similar programs nationwide. That's impressive for a two-year degree. However, zooming in on Indiana specifically reveals a more nuanced picture: this program sits at the 60th percentile statewide, tied for the top spot with IWU's online division but commanding significantly higher debt than the state median of $24,252.
The debt load of $25,149 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, which is quite manageable and well below the national median debt for business associate programs. Graduates see steady earnings growth to nearly $55,000 by year four, suggesting the credential has staying power in the job market. For context, the typical Indiana business associate program produces $44,789 in first-year earnings with similar debt levels, so you're paying marginally more for meaningfully better outcomes.
The value proposition here is straightforward: you're getting top-tier results for a business associate degree, with debt that's reasonable enough to pay down within a few years at these salary levels. For Indiana families, this represents solid preparation for business careers without the extended commitment of a four-year program, though students should verify the debt figure aligns with their specific financial aid package.
Where Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates'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 $49k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business/commerce associates 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/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $49,463 | $54,966 | $25,149 | 0.51 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $49,463 | $54,966 | $25,149 | 0.51 |
| Vincennes University | $40,115 | $33,112 | $10,668 | 0.27 |
| Purdue University Global | $37,929 | $38,111 | $23,354 | 0.62 |
| National Median | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global Marion | $8,216 | $49,463 | $25,149 |
| Vincennes University Vincennes | $6,886 | $40,115 | $10,668 |
| Purdue University Global West Lafayette | $10,110 | $37,929 | $23,354 |
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 187 graduates with reported earnings and 464 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.