Marian University

Marian offers 40+ undergraduate degrees, with standout programs in business, criminal justice, and data science. The College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills, while the Klipsch Educators College trains future teachers. Psychology is the most popular major (3% of students), followed by interdisciplinary studies and theology. Faculty are noted for promoting diverse perspectives and leadership. Recent additions include in-demand degrees like Business Management, aligning with the university’s career-focused ethos.

Life on Marian’s 75-acre campus revolves around low-key socializing: Starbucks runs, intramural sports, and movie nights. The ‘Marian Maniacs’ cheer on Knights athletics, but Greek life is virtually nonexistent. Over 35 student clubs cater to niches from hobbies to majors, though some students note the party scene is quiet. The student body is 64.5% female, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,074 (fall 2023). Spiritual life and wellness services are prominent, reflecting the Catholic affiliation.

Marian’s six-year graduation rate is 64% for women but drops to 54% for men. The business school boasts a 98.9% employment rate within six months of graduation, aided by experiential learning. Pell Grant recipients graduate at a 57% rate—slightly below the overall average. Alumni earnings data is limited, but the university emphasizes career readiness through co-curricular programs and employer partnerships.

Tuition and fees total $57,740, but the average net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. drops to $23,225 after aid. A remarkable 100% of students receive institutional grants, averaging $18,581, and 74.33% get financial aid packages worth $36,111. Marian offers full and partial tuition scholarships tied to co-curriculars, making it more affordable than the sticker price suggests.

Marian’s hyper-accessible admissions (95% acceptance rateAcceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.) and strong job placement—especially in business—make it a pragmatic choice for students seeking a career-focused Catholic education. The 75-acre campus offers just enough buzz (Starbucks, 35+ clubs) without the distractions of a party school. While graduation rates lag for men, women thrive (64% completion), and nearly all students benefit from generous aid that slashes costs by over 50%. It’s a sleeper pick for students who want affordability, mentorship, and a direct path to employment.