Auburn University vs Marion Military Institute: which has better ROI?
Marion Military Institute has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $17,254 in 1.5 years versus 5.7 years at Auburn University, on median earnings of $59,644 vs $65,337 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Auburn University | Marion Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,323 | $8,627 |
| Total net cost | $97,292 | $17,254 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $65,337 | $59,644 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $9,250 |
| Payback | 5.7 yrs | 1.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $242,248 | $208,426 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Auburn University or Marion Military Institute?
Marion Military Institute, at $8,627 a year after aid versus $24,323 — a gap of $15,696 a year, or $80,038 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Auburn University or Marion Military Institute graduates earn more?
Auburn University graduates report a median $65,337 ten years after entry, $5,693 more than the $59,644 at Marion Military Institute. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Auburn University or Marion Military Institute?
Marion Military Institute: its completers carry a median $9,250 in federal loans versus $21,000 at Auburn University, a difference of $11,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
82% of students finish at Auburn University, against 36% at Marion Military Institute. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.