Business/Commerce at Maranatha Baptist University

Based on comparable business programs in Wisconsin, Maranatha's estimated outcomes—$45,625 in first-year earnings against $27,000 in debt—land right at the state median but well below what Wisconsin's public universities are delivering. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, for instance, reports actual earnings of nearly $58,000 for its business graduates, a $12,000 advantage that compounds significantly over a career.

The 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory, meaning graduates from similar programs typically earn enough to handle loan payments without severe strain. However, when peer institutions are producing substantially higher outcomes at comparable or lower debt levels, the value equation shifts. The $27,000 debt estimate is slightly above both state and national medians, which means you're paying average debt for below-average returns compared to Wisconsin's stronger business programs.

For families evaluating this investment, the gap between Maranatha's estimated outcomes and the state's top performers matters. If the university's faith-based mission and smaller environment align strongly with your child's needs, these estimates suggest a workable financial path—but if outcomes are the priority, Wisconsin's public universities offer substantially better earnings trajectories. Request actual placement data from the admissions office and compare net costs carefully, since closing that price gap could change the calculation entirely.