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Purdue University-Main Campus vs Marian University-Ancilla: which has better ROI?

Public, West Lafayette IN · vs · Private nonprofit, Plymouth IN

The verdict

Purdue University-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $58,400 in 2.4 years versus 3.7 years at Marian University-Ancilla, on median earnings of $72,424 vs $58,759 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePurdue University-Main CampusMarian University-Ancilla
Net price / yr$14,600$19,463
Total net cost$58,400$38,926
Median earnings, 10 yrs$72,424$58,759
Median debt$19,500$27,000
Payback2.4 yrs3.7 yrs
20-year net return$422,880$169,054

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

Which is cheaper, Purdue University-Main Campus or Marian University-Ancilla?

Purdue University-Main Campus, at $14,600 a year after aid versus $19,463 — a gap of $4,863 a year, or $19,474 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Purdue University-Main Campus or Marian University-Ancilla graduates earn more?

Purdue University-Main Campus graduates report a median $72,424 ten years after entry, $13,665 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, Purdue University-Main Campus or Marian University-Ancilla?

Purdue University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Marian University-Ancilla, a difference of $7,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Purdue University-Main Campus vs Marian University-Ancilla: frequently asked questions

Is Purdue University-Main Campus or Marian University-Ancilla a better value?
Purdue University-Main Campus. It clears its $58,400 net cost in about 2.4 years versus 3.7 years at Marian University-Ancilla, on median earnings of $72,424 vs $58,759 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Purdue University-Main Campus or Marian University-Ancilla?
Purdue University-Main Campus: $14,600/yr net price after aid versus $19,463/yr at Marian University-Ancilla — a difference of $4,863 a year, or about $19,474 over four years.
Do Purdue University-Main Campus or Marian University-Ancilla graduates earn more?
Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $72,424 ten years after entry, versus $58,759 at Marian University-Ancilla — a $13,665 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.