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Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global vs Butler University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Marion IN · vs · Private nonprofit, Indianapolis IN

The verdict

Butler University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,164 in 5 years versus 5.8 years at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global, on median earnings of $77,235 vs $59,986 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureIndiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalButler University
Net price / yr$16,898$36,041
Total net cost$67,592$144,164
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,986$77,235
Median debt$24,250$26,000
Payback5.8 yrs5 yrs
20-year net return$164,928$433,336

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

Which is cheaper, Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global or Butler University?

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global, at $16,898 a year after aid versus $36,041 — a gap of $19,143 a year, or $76,572 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-National & Global or Butler University graduates earn more?

Butler University graduates report a median $77,235 ten years after entry, $17,249 more than the $59,986 at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global. 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-National & Global or Butler University?

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Butler University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at Butler University, against 35% at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global. 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.

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global vs Butler University: frequently asked questions

Is Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global or Butler University a better value?
Butler University. It clears its $144,164 net cost in about 5 years versus 5.8 years at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global, on median earnings of $77,235 vs $59,986 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global or Butler University?
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global: $16,898/yr net price after aid versus $36,041/yr at Butler University — a difference of $19,143 a year, or about $76,572 over four years.
Do Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global or Butler University graduates earn more?
Butler University graduates earn a median $77,235 ten years after entry, versus $59,986 at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global — a $17,249 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.