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
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 | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Thomas More University | $83,571 | $68,202 | -18% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Purdue University Global | $37,929 | $38,111 | +0% |
| Vincennes University | $40,115 | $33,112 | -17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion | $31,168 | $49,463 | $54,966 | $25,149 | 0.51 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion | $8,216 | $49,463 | $54,966 | $25,149 | 0.51 |
 Vincennes UniversityVincennes | $6,886 | $40,115 | $33,112 | $10,668 | 0.27 |
 Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette | $10,110 | $37,929 | $38,111 | $23,354 | 0.62 |
| National Median | — | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.