Analysis
Marian University's business program delivers solid earnings with minimal debtβa combination that should appeal to value-conscious families. Starting at $50,740 and climbing to $56,657 within four years, graduates earn about $5,000 more than the typical Indiana business grad and significantly outpace the national median. Just as importantly, they carry only $27,000 in debt, meaning first-year earnings cover half the borrowingβa healthy ratio that allows for faster financial stability after graduation.
Within Indiana's business landscape, this program sits comfortably in the 60th percentile, trailing elite options like Grace College ($62,251) and Ball State ($60,526) but performing better than most alternatives in the state. The 12% earnings growth through year four suggests graduates gain traction in their careers rather than plateauing early. For a university with a 95% admission rate, these outcomes punch above weight.
The real strength here is the modest debt load combined with above-average earnings. Your child won't be chasing six-figure salaries, but they'll have breathing room to build a life without crushing loan paymentsβa practical foundation that matters more than rankings for most families.
Where Marian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Marian University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marian University | $50,740 | $56,657 | +12% |
| Saint Mary's College | $52,891 | $74,163 | +40% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $57,106 | $71,553 | +25% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $58,880 | $62,714 | +7% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $58,880 | $62,714 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,100 | $50,740 | $56,657 | $27,000 | 0.53 | |
| $30,034 | $62,251 | $49,304 | $20,104 | 0.32 | |
| $10,758 | $60,526 | $59,631 | $20,500 | 0.34 | |
| $31,168 | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 | |
| $8,216 | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 | |
| $10,110 | $57,308 | $52,586 | $45,176 | 0.79 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 23% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.