Students at Marywood University benefit from above-average earnings outcomes that reflect the institution's strength in career-focused programs, particularly in nursing and health sciences.
The university's small size enables personalized attention and close faculty relationships that support student success across diverse academic backgrounds.
Marywood University is a small private nonprofit institution in Scranton, Pennsylvania, that combines personalized education with strong professional program outcomes. The university serves about 29% Pell Grant recipients and 29% first-generation students, maintaining a selective but accessible admissions approach that supports diverse learners. Graduates earn a median of $55,817 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution above average nationally for long-term earnings outcomes.
What distinguishes Marywood is its focus on career-oriented programs, particularly in nursing and health sciences, where graduates consistently achieve strong early-career placement and earnings. The university's small size enables close mentoring relationships and individualized support, contributing to a 73% six-year graduation rate that reflects solid student success across income levels.
As a private institution with moderate net prices and strong professional program outcomes, Marywood appeals to students who want the benefits of a small college environment while preparing for stable, well-compensated careers in healthcare, education, and related fields.
Marywood University's program portfolio centers on professional preparation, with nursing leading both in enrollment and earnings outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates 38 students annually with median earnings of $57,995, reflecting the strong regional demand for healthcare professionals and the university's established clinical partnerships. This program represents the university's largest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with competitive salaries.
Biology, while producing more modest early-career earnings of $32,391, serves as a foundation program for students planning graduate study in health sciences, veterinary medicine, or related fields. With 20 graduates annually, it represents another significant component of the university's science-focused curriculum that prepares students for advanced study and professional careers.
The university's strength lies in its ability to provide hands-on, practical education in fields with clear career pathways. Programs emphasize clinical experience, internships, and direct employer connections that help graduates transition smoothly from college to professional practice. This approach works particularly well in healthcare and education, where Marywood has built strong regional relationships that benefit both students and employers seeking well-prepared graduates.
Graduates of Marywood University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $55,817 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university above average nationally, reflecting the institution's strength in professional programs that lead directly to stable career paths. The university's focus on healthcare, education, and other service-oriented fields creates pathways to meaningful work with competitive compensation.
Nursing stands out as Marywood's strongest program for both enrollment and earnings outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates 38 students annually and produces median earnings of $57,995, making it the highest aggregate return program at the university. This reflects both the program's substantial enrollment and the strong demand for nursing professionals in the region. Biology graduates, while earning more modestly at $32,391, represent another significant program that often serves as preparation for graduate study in health sciences or other professional fields.
The university's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused education that translates directly into employment opportunities. With 55 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Marywood demonstrates its ability to prepare students for higher-earning positions, particularly in healthcare and professional services where the university has established strong regional employer relationships.
Affordability at Marywood University is structured to provide predictable costs across different income levels, with net prices that remain relatively consistent for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay about $19,389 annually, while middle-income families see costs of $18,927, reflecting the university's commitment to making private education accessible through substantial financial aid. Even high-income families face net prices of $26,569, which is moderate for a private institution of this type.
The university's financial aid approach emphasizes grants and scholarships that reduce sticker price significantly, helping families avoid excessive borrowing while still accessing the benefits of small-class instruction and personalized attention. This pricing structure makes Marywood competitive with many public universities while offering the advantages of a private college environment.
Debt levels reflect the university's balanced approach to affordability and access. Typical graduates leave with about $26,186 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given the career-focused nature of most programs and the solid earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $26,710, indicating that many families choose to invest directly in their students' education while keeping student debt at reasonable levels.
Marywood University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
