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Butler University vs Marian University-Ancilla: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Indianapolis IN · vs · Private nonprofit, Plymouth IN

The verdict

Marian University-Ancilla has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $38,926 in 3.7 years versus 5 years at Butler University, on median earnings of $58,759 vs $77,235 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureButler UniversityMarian University-Ancilla
Net price / yr$36,041$19,463
Total net cost$144,164$38,926
Median earnings, 10 yrs$77,235$58,759
Median debt$26,000$27,000
Payback5 yrs3.7 yrs
20-year net return$433,336$169,054

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla?

Marian University-Ancilla, at $19,463 a year after aid versus $36,041 — a gap of $16,578 a year, or $105,238 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla graduates earn more?

Butler University graduates report a median $77,235 ten years after entry, $18,476 more than the $58,759 at Marian University-Ancilla. 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, Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla?

Butler University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Marian University-Ancilla, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Butler University vs Marian University-Ancilla: frequently asked questions

Is Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla a better value?
Marian University-Ancilla. It clears its $38,926 net cost in about 3.7 years versus 5 years at Butler University, on median earnings of $58,759 vs $77,235 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla?
Marian University-Ancilla: $19,463/yr net price after aid versus $36,041/yr at Butler University — a difference of $16,578 a year, or about $105,238 over four years.
Do Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla graduates earn more?
Butler University graduates earn a median $77,235 ten years after entry, versus $58,759 at Marian University-Ancilla — a $18,476 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.