Analysis
A bachelor's in public health from Marian carries an estimated $27,000 in debt—slightly above the state median but in line with national norms—while peer programs across Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $43,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 is manageable by industry standards, putting graduates in a position to pay down loans without financial strain. What's encouraging here is that comparable Indiana programs cluster tightly in the low-to-mid $40,000s, suggesting relative stability in this field's entry-level market across different institutions.
The estimated earnings figure actually exceeds the national median for public health bachelor's degrees by about $5,500, which reflects Indiana's relatively strong positioning in healthcare and public health employment. Programs at Purdue and the various IU campuses report similar outcomes, indicating that the field itself—rather than any single school's brand—drives much of the earning potential. For families weighing Marian's 95% admission rate against outcomes, the data suggests accessibility doesn't necessarily compromise results in this particular major.
The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to public health work and Marian offers the right campus fit, the estimated financial picture suggests a workable investment. Just recognize that these figures are drawn from peer programs statewide, not Marian's specific track record, so confirming placement support and internship networks directly with the school remains essential.
Where Marian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,100 | $43,073* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,992 | $45,274* | $54,930 | $21,500* | 0.47 | |
| $8,179 | $43,356* | $47,980 | $27,334* | 0.63 | |
| $11,790 | $42,790* | $60,955 | $19,689* | 0.46 | |
| $10,449 | $42,152* | $48,634 | $22,220* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $37,548* | — | $26,000* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates
Physicists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Genetic Counselors
Epidemiologists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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.
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 IN. Actual outcomes may vary.