Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Marian University

Marian University's nursing program shows a troubling earnings pattern that should concern parents considering this $37,444 investment. While graduates start at a respectable $71,111—close to Indiana's median for nursing programs—their earnings actually decline to $66,300 by year four, a 7% drop that runs counter to typical career progression. This places the program at just the 30th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Indiana, meaning most nursing programs produce better long-term outcomes.

The financial picture becomes more concerning when compared to Indiana alternatives. Top programs like Chamberlain University ($83,188) and Purdue Global ($78,468) deliver significantly higher four-year earnings, while Marian's graduates earn less than the state median of $71,791. The program does keep debt relatively manageable at the 9th percentile nationally, but even this advantage doesn't offset the weak earnings trajectory.

For parents, this data suggests Marian's nursing program underperforms both state and national peers despite reasonable debt levels. The declining earnings pattern is particularly worrisome in a field where experience typically leads to higher compensation. Consider the stronger Indiana alternatives that offer both higher starting salaries and better growth potential for a similar educational investment.