Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion vs Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses: which has better ROI?
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $63,152 in 7.2 years versus 7.9 years at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion, on median earnings of $57,165 vs $59,986 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,866 | $15,788 |
| Total net cost | $91,464 | $63,152 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,986 | $57,165 |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 7.9 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $141,056 | $112,948 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses, at $15,788 a year after aid versus $22,866 — a gap of $7,078 a year, or $28,312 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses graduates earn more?
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion graduates report a median $59,986 ten years after entry, $2,821 more than the $57,165 at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses. 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, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion, against 0% at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses. 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.