Students at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $5,700 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's focus on nursing and business programs creates reliable pathways to above-average long-term financial outcomes.
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion delivers consistent value through a combination of strong earnings outcomes and personalized education. The university's graduates earn a median of $59,986 ten years after enrollment, placing it well above average nationally and reflecting earnings that exceed expectations by about $5,700 compared with similar institutions. This performance is particularly notable given the university's focus on serving first-generation students, who make up nearly half of the student body.
The institution's strength lies in professional programs, especially nursing, which serves as the academic and economic cornerstone with 127 graduates annually earning a median of $63,353. Business administration and financial services programs also provide solid career pathways, contributing to the university's above-average return on investment. As a small private Christian university in Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion combines the personal attention of a close-knit campus with career-focused programs that translate into meaningful post-graduation success.
What distinguishes this institution is its ability to help students from diverse backgrounds achieve upward mobility through targeted professional preparation. The university operates as an "Opportunity Builder," providing pathways for students who might not have access to elite institutions but still want strong career outcomes and earnings that outperform expectations.
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion's program portfolio centers on professional fields that provide direct pathways to stable careers. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, graduating 127 students annually with median earnings of $63,353 ten years out, making it the university's primary economic engine. This substantial nursing program reflects Indiana's healthcare workforce needs and the university's strength in health sciences education.
Business Administration serves as the second-largest program with 37 graduates earning median salaries of $52,044, while Banking and Financial Support Services, though smaller with 22 graduates, still produces competitive early-career outcomes around $43,575. These business-focused programs complement the nursing concentration and provide alternative pathways for students interested in corporate and financial careers.
The university's program mix reflects a focused approach to professional preparation rather than broad liberal arts offerings. This concentration in high-demand fields like healthcare and business helps explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations, as employers actively recruit from programs with strong practical training and established industry connections throughout Indiana and the broader Midwest region.
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $59,986, with the university delivering about $5,700 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance places the university well above average nationally for return on investment, reflecting the institution's focus on career-oriented programs that translate directly into employment opportunities.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing programs, which graduate 127 students annually with median earnings of $63,353 ten years out. Business Administration, the second-largest program with 37 graduates, produces median earnings of $52,044, while Banking and Financial Support Services graduates earn around $43,575. These programs represent the core of Indiana Wesleyan's professional focus, combining substantial enrollment with reliable career pathways that support the university's above-average earnings performance.
The institution's ability to deliver earnings that exceed expectations stems from its concentrated program mix in high-demand fields like healthcare and business, combined with strong employer relationships in Indiana and the broader Midwest region. Students benefit from both the practical career preparation and the personal attention that comes with a smaller private university environment.
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion maintains relatively consistent net pricing across income levels, with low-income students paying about $18,803 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $18,962 per year. High-income families face higher net prices at $27,229, but the university's aid structure helps keep costs manageable for most students who qualify for need-based assistance. This pricing approach reflects the institution's commitment to serving first-generation and working-class students while maintaining the resources of a private university.
Debt levels are moderate but require careful planning. Typical graduates leave with about $24,250 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $11,850. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully. With median earnings approaching $60,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms, though the debt-to-income ratio requires graduates to be thoughtful about their post-graduation budgeting and career choices.
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
