Analysis
Wisconsin's education programs typically launch graduates near $43,300 in their first year—positioning Marian's estimated outcomes right at the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $38,660. With estimated debt around $27,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 suggests graduates could realistically pay down loans within a few years of entering the profession, assuming typical teacher salary progression.
The comparison to other Wisconsin programs reveals meaningful variation. UW-Platteville grads earn about $7,200 more first-year, which compounds significantly over a teaching career. However, Marian's estimated figures sit comfortably in the middle pack—ahead of smaller liberal arts colleges like Beloit and roughly aligned with UW-Milwaukee and UW-Green Bay. For families focused on teaching credentials specifically, the financial outcome appears workable rather than exceptional.
The caveat: these are estimates based on peer programs, not actual tracked outcomes from Marian's education graduates. If you're serious about this school, contact their education department directly to learn about job placement rates, which districts hire their graduates, and what percentage pass Wisconsin's licensing exams on first attempt. Those concrete measures matter more than modeled earnings when you're investing in a profession with relatively standardized entry salaries.
Where Marian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,000 | $43,318* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $8,315 | $50,540* | $41,733 | $25,000* | 0.49 | |
| $10,020 | $43,867* | $44,161 | $30,990* | 0.71 | |
| $8,342 | $42,768* | $39,768 | $23,250* | 0.54 | |
| $58,554 | $33,493* | $35,797 | $24,456* | 0.73 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 Marian University, approximately 32% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.