Business Administration, Management and Operations at Marian University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marian University | $50,740 | $56,657 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary | $62,251 | $49,304 | $20,104 | 0.32 |
| Ball State University | $60,526 | $59,631 | $20,500 | 0.34 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 |
| Purdue University Global | $57,308 | $52,586 | $45,176 | 0.79 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.