Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Marion Military Institute
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Marion Military Institute's liberal arts associate degree shows earnings that lag behind national figures but beat most Alabama programs in this field. While graduates start at just $25,501—putting them below the national median of $27,248—they outperform 60% of similar Alabama programs where the state median is only $24,375. That state context matters for families comparing in-state options.
The $12,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47. More encouraging is the trajectory: earnings jump 61% to $41,062 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully transfer to four-year programs or find stable employment after their initial start. That kind of growth is meaningful for a two-year degree, though it still leaves graduates well behind Alabama's top performers like Columbia Southern ($55,667) or Troy University ($37,838).
The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in this data set means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. For families considering MMI, think of this as a launching pad rather than a destination: the low debt and respectable Alabama ranking make it a reasonable transfer option, but don't expect standout earnings immediately after graduation. The military structure may appeal to some students, but verify that recent outcomes align with these figures before committing.
Where Marion Military Institute Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates'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 Marion Military Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Marion Military Institute graduates earn $26k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates 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 Alabama
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion Military Institute | $25,501 | $41,062 | $12,000 | 0.47 |
| Columbia Southern University | $55,667 | $60,690 | $15,923 | 0.29 |
| Troy University | $37,838 | $46,135 | $27,504 | 0.73 |
| Chattahoochee Valley Community College | $28,470 | $36,566 | $11,149 | 0.39 |
| Jefferson State Community College | $28,176 | $33,742 | $11,000 | 0.39 |
| Lawson State Community College | $26,759 | $32,735 | $7,500 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University Orange Beach | $5,808 | $55,667 | $15,923 |
| Troy University Troy | $9,792 | $37,838 | $27,504 |
| Chattahoochee Valley Community College Phenix City | $5,040 | $28,470 | $11,149 |
| Jefferson State Community College Birmingham | $5,040 | $28,176 | $11,000 |
| Lawson State Community College Birmingham | $4,980 | $26,759 | $7,500 |
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 Marion Military Institute, approximately 43% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.