Students at Marietta College achieve strong financial outcomes that place the institution in the top quartile nationally for both overall earnings and low-income student success.
Graduates consistently manage debt well, with exceptional loan repayment performance and solid career trajectories in specialized fields.
Marietta College is a small private institution in Ohio that delivers above-average earnings outcomes despite serving a relatively selective student population. With median 10-year earnings of $57,180, graduates perform well financially, ranking in the 74th percentile nationally for return on investment. The college's strength lies in its specialized programs, particularly petroleum engineering, which drives much of its strong earnings performance.
What distinguishes Marietta is its ability to produce solid financial outcomes from a focused program portfolio. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants and 26% are first-generation college students, indicating moderate access levels. The institution falls into the "Selective Achievers" mobility category, meaning it delivers strong outcomes for the students it serves, though access remains more limited than at larger public institutions.
As a small private college, Marietta offers the intimate learning environment and close faculty relationships that many students seek, while maintaining career outcomes that justify the investment. The college's specialized focus, particularly in technical fields, creates pathways to well-paying careers that help graduates manage the higher costs associated with private education.
Marietta College's program portfolio is highly focused, with petroleum engineering serving as the clear standout for career outcomes. This specialized program graduates 47 students annually with median earnings of $71,575 ten years after graduation, representing both the college's strongest financial offering and its deepest industry connections.
The petroleum engineering program's success reflects Marietta's strategic positioning in energy sector education and its ability to maintain strong employer relationships despite the college's small size. Students in this field benefit from specialized facilities, industry partnerships, and career placement support that translates directly into high-paying positions in oil and gas companies.
Beyond petroleum engineering, Marietta's small size means limited program diversity compared to larger institutions. The college's approach emphasizes depth over breadth, focusing resources on programs where it can maintain quality and industry connections rather than attempting to offer comprehensive academic options. This strategy works well for students whose interests align with Marietta's strengths but may not suit those seeking extensive program variety or interdisciplinary opportunities.
Marietta College graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $57,180 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 74th percentile nationally for return on investment. While graduates earn slightly less than what similar students achieve at other institutions, the overall earnings level remains competitive and provides a strong foundation for career growth and debt repayment.
The college's standout program is petroleum engineering, which graduates 47 students annually with median earnings of $71,575 ten years out. This specialized program represents Marietta's strongest financial offering and demonstrates the institution's ability to connect students with high-paying technical careers. The program's success reflects both the college's industry relationships and the ongoing demand for petroleum engineering expertise in energy markets.
Marietta's focused program portfolio means that career outcomes depend heavily on field of study. Students in the college's technical and professional programs typically see stronger earnings trajectories, while those in more general liberal arts fields may experience more modest financial returns. The college's small size allows for personalized career guidance and industry connections that can help students maximize their chosen field's earning potential.
Affordability at Marietta College reflects typical private college pricing, with net costs varying significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $14,987 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $16,626 per year. High-income families face substantially higher net prices of approximately $25,625, reflecting the college's limited ability to provide need-based aid to wealthier students.
Debt levels are manageable relative to the institution's earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,885. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally succeed in managing their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes Marietta's costs sustainable is the combination of solid earnings outcomes and strong loan repayment performance. With median earnings near $57,180 ten years after enrollment, most graduates can handle standard loan payments without significant financial strain. The college's loan repayment trajectory shows borrowers paying down balances faster than national averages, with strong performance across all measured timeframes.
Marietta College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
