Marian University
General Information — Marian University
Overview
Marian University is a private Catholic university located in Indianapolis, Indiana, deeply rooted in Franciscan traditions and committed to fostering holistic, values-driven education. Founded in the mid-19th century by the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana, the institution relocated to Indianapolis in the late 1930s and evolved into a full university by the early 21st century. The university enrolls students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, offering more than forty degree pathways across liberal arts, health sciences, education, business, engineering, ministry, and a college of osteopathic medicine.
With a student-faculty ratio around 13:1, Marian seeks to maintain personal attention, mentoring relationships, and a collaborative learning environment. It emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and formation of transformational leadership rooted in the Catholic Franciscan mission. Its campus in a suburban setting near downtown Indianapolis offers a balance between urban access and intimate campus life. Over time Marian has expanded into multiple campuses and online modalities, while preserving its identity of blending faith, service, and academic rigor.
Contact Information
Address: 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, Indiana
Phone Number: (317) 955-6000
Email Address: admissions@marian.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1851 |
| Former Name | Marian College (until 2009) |
| Type | Private Catholic University |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic (Sisters of St. Francis) |
| Endowment | Approximately $107.7 million |
| Student Body | ~3,595 (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Academic Staff | ~166 full-time faculty |
| Campus Size | 200 acres in Indianapolis |
| Motto (Latin) | Sedes sapientiae |
| Motto (English) | Seat of Wisdom |
Marian University Rankings
| Category | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| U.S. News Regional Universities Midwest | Ranked among regional universities in Midwest tier |
| Innovation / Best Value | Recognized in “Most Innovative” regional lists |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 61 % |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | ~13:1 |
Marian University Academics
Marian University Faculties / Departments
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science
- Ministry & Theology
- Graduate & Professional Studies
Marian University Courses and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science programs in disciplines like Biology, Psychology, English, History, Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master’s programs in Education, Business, Healthcare Administration, Athletic Training
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
- Dual degree pathways (e.g. combined degrees, accelerated options)
- Certificate and online professional development programs
- Engineering, Computer Science, and STEM majors
Online Learning
Marian University offers online and hybrid learning opportunities especially in graduate and professional studies, allowing working professionals to take coursework remotely. Programs in business, education, healthcare administration, and ministry have online components; the university fosters flexibility by combining synchronous and asynchronous instruction to reach students regardless of location. Students enrolled in online/hybrid tracks still benefit from institutional support services including advising, library access, virtual tutoring, and remote faculty interaction.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Median |
|---|---|
| SAT (middle 50 %) | 970 – 1175 |
| ACT (middle 50 %) | 19 – 26 |
| Average GPA | ~ 3.5 |
These ranges reflect the scores for admitted undergraduate students; Marian also considers holistic factors and does not always require test scores.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Marian’s retention rate supports continuity of student progress, and the graduation rate is around 61 %. Students who persist beyond the first year have a solid chance of completing their degree within standard timeframes. The institution emphasizes support services such as academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring to bolster retention. The university’s integrated mission, small class sizes, and student engagement strategies aim to reduce attrition by fostering community, purpose, and alignment between students’ goals and institutional offerings.
Marian University Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Prospective undergraduate students typically present high school GPAs near or above 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale). Test score ranges for admitted students tend to fall between 970–1175 for SAT and 19–26 for ACT, though scoring outside those ranges may still be considered through holistic review. Marian often treats SAT/ACT as optional or flexible, weighing coursework rigor, letters of recommendation, personal statements, extracurricular involvement, and alignment with mission alongside quantitative metrics.
Marian University Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~ 95 % |
Marian University is considered not highly selective; many qualified applicants are admitted, reflecting the institution’s mission of access and inclusion.
Marian University Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, official high school transcripts, optional standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a personal statement or essay. Some programs may request letters of recommendation, course prerequisites (especially in science or health majors), or supplemental materials. The review process is holistic, prioritizing academic preparation, personal character, leadership, service, and alignment with Marian’s values. Applicants from nontraditional settings or with alternative credentials may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Application Process
- Select intended major or program at Marian
- Complete application and submit necessary high school/college transcripts
- If available, provide SAT or ACT scores (optional in many cases)
- Submit personal statement or essay and any program supplements
- Admissions review by committee
- Receive admission decision
- Upon acceptance, complete enrollment, orientation, advising
Marian University Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Admission | August 1 |
| Priority or Scholarship Consideration | Early spring (varies by program) |
| Transfer Application Deadline | Rolling / after spring semester |
| Graduate / Professional Program Deadlines | Varies by program (health, medicine, education) |
Essay Prompt
Applicants commonly write a personal statement describing their academic aspirations, leadership and service experiences, motivations for their chosen field, and how they anticipate contributing to the Marian University community. Some programs within health or education may request additional essays tailored to those fields.
Marian University Scholarships
Marian offers institutional scholarships, need-based grants, merit awards, and program-specific funding. Incoming students may receive scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, service, or alignment with mission. The financial aid office assists students in applying for external scholarships and federal/state grants. Many students receive packages that reduce net cost substantially.
Marian University Tuition Fee
| Program / Level | Estimated Annual Tuition & Cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (full) | approximately $34,096 |
| Fees | ~$554 (student fees) |
| Room & Board | ~$10,108 |
| Net Price after Aid | ~$23,000 (average after scholarships and grants) |
These figures reflect typical cost before and after financial aid for undergraduate students; graduate and professional programs will have different cost structures.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Marian University enrolls a majority of female students, with women comprising approximately 64.5 % and men about 35.5 %. The racial/ethnic makeup includes about 67.7 % White, nearly 9.9 % Hispanic/Latino, 6.9 % Black or African American, and smaller shares of Asian, American Indian, multiracial, or other. A portion of the student body is from out-of-state or international backgrounds, contributing to cultural diversity. Students range in age predominantly from 18 to mid-20s, although adult learners and graduate students expand the age spectrum.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A substantial percentage of students receive financial aid—approximately 94 % of undergraduates receive some form of aid. Many students come from lower or moderate income families and rely on grants, loans, and scholarships to fund their education. Marian provides support resources such as disability services, counseling, academic accommodations, and adaptive technologies. The commitment to Catholic social teaching underscores the institution’s drive to make education accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Student Body
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Undergraduate Students | ~1,074 |
| International / Out-of-State Students | ~5 % |
| Gender – Female | ~64.5 % |
| Gender – Male | ~35.5 % |
University Diversity
Marian University emphasizes diversity and inclusion as central elements of its mission. Though rooted in Catholic and Franciscan traditions, the institution welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. Diversity enriches classroom discussion, campus life, and community service, reflecting a microcosm of broader society. The university actively recruits underrepresented students and supports them through inclusive programming, mentorship, student organizations, and scholarship initiatives. Cultural awareness, respect, equity, and social justice are woven into curricular and co-curricular experiences. Marian’s location near urban Indianapolis enables engagement with diverse communities, internships, and service partnerships that further broaden students’ perspectives and foster a sense of belonging across different identities and backgrounds.
Average Earnings
Graduates from Marian University often enter fields such as health care, education, business, and ministry, where earning potentials are moderate to strong depending on advanced credentials and specialization. While exact institutional averages are not always publicly reported, many alumni begin with entry-level salaries in their fields and increase earnings through graduate study, certifications, or leadership roles. The college of osteopathic medicine graduates may command higher starting salaries in medical practice. The return on investment is further enhanced by scholarships, moderate debt burdens, and Marian’s focus on applied, career-oriented degrees. Many alumni attribute professional stability, mission alignment, and community contributions as key outcomes.
Marian University Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Marian University employs a dedicated body of faculty, staff, and administrators. The faculty comprises full-time and part-time instructors across disciplines who bring professional experience, research engagement, and pedagogical commitment. Support staff in advising, student services, library, IT, admissions, and campus operations work to maintain the student experience. The favorable student-faculty ratio allows professors to engage closely with students, mentor research or service projects, and provide personalized support. Staff roles facilitate operations, resource access, and student success structures.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Marian University include scholars, practitioners, clinicians, and professionals recognized in their fields. In health sciences and medicine, faculty oversee clinics, conduct research, and mentor students in clinical rotations. In liberal arts, education, business, and theology, professors often publish research, engage in community outreach, and lead service initiatives. Many hold terminal degrees (PhD, D.O., EdD) and active professional credentials. Their achievements span fundraising, grant awards, published work, and significant contributions to mission-driven programs. Faculty commitment to student formation and transformation is a hallmark of Marian’s academic culture.
Marian University Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Marian University’s Indianapolis campus features residence halls, dining facilities, student centers, religious and recreation spaces, and green spaces. On-campus housing options include traditional dormitories and apartment-style units for upper-level students. Costs vary by type and occupancy. Student life emphasizes co-curricular engagement, faith formation, athletics, service, and leadership. Opportunities abound in student clubs, ministry groups, performance arts, intramurals, and community outreach. The campus is also home to the EcoLab wetland and the Riverdale Estate, providing nature and conservation labs, trails, and outdoor learning and recreation spaces. These features enhance student well-being and offer experiential learning beyond classrooms.
Transportation
Marian University is located about four miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis, making it accessible by city roads and transit. Students commuting from the city or surrounding areas may use personal vehicles, public buses, or university shuttles. On campus, walking paths, bike lanes, and parking zones facilitate mobility. The campus layout supports pedestrian access between academic, residential, and recreational buildings. Proximity to major roads and urban infrastructure enables internships, commuting, and connections to metropolitan resources while preserving an immersive campus experience.