Trine University vs Marian University: which has better ROI?
Marian University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $96,072 in 9.2 years versus 11.5 years at Trine University, on median earnings of $58,759 vs $57,165 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Trine University | Marian University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,355 | $24,018 |
| Total net cost | $101,420 | $96,072 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,165 | $58,759 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 11.5 yrs | 9.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $74,680 | $111,908 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Trine University or Marian University?
Marian University, at $24,018 a year after aid versus $25,355 — a gap of $1,337 a year, or $5,348 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Trine University or Marian University 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. 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, Trine University or Marian University?
Trine University: 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 64% at Trine University. 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.