Median Earnings (1yr)
$50,740
68th percentile (60th in IN)
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.53
Manageable
Sample Size
42
Adequate data

Analysis

Marian University's business program delivers solid earnings with minimal debt—a 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 borrowing—a 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 payments—a 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

Marian UniversityOther business administration, management and operations programs

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 Marian University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Marian University graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors 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 Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (41 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Marian University$50,740$56,657$27,0000.53
Grace College and Theological Seminary$62,251$49,304$20,1040.32
Ball State University$60,526$59,631$20,5000.34
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion$58,880$62,714$42,1380.72
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global$58,880$62,714$42,1380.72
Purdue University Global$57,308$52,586$45,1760.79
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake
$30,034$62,251$20,104
Ball State University
Muncie
$10,758$60,526$20,500
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Marion
$31,168$58,880$42,138
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion
$8,216$58,880$42,138
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette
$10,110$57,308$45,176

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.