Marian University 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 9.2 years at Marian University, on median earnings of $57,165 vs $58,759 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Marian University | Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,018 | $15,788 |
| Total net cost | $96,072 | $63,152 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,759 | $57,165 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 9.2 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $111,908 | $112,948 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Marian University or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses, at $15,788 a year after aid versus $24,018 — a gap of $8,230 a year, or $32,920 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Marian University or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses graduates earn more?
Marian University graduates report a median $58,759 ten years after entry, $1,594 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, Marian University or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Marian University, a difference of $2,000. 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 Marian University, 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.