Marian University’s Ancilla College
General Information — Marian University’s Ancilla College
Overview
Marian University’s Ancilla College is a regionally focused, faith-inspired campus in northern Indiana, grounded in Franciscan values and committed to providing accessible higher education to its community. This campus emerged following the merger of the historic Ancilla College with Marian University, enabling students from rural and surrounding counties to benefit from a smaller, close-knit campus environment while retaining connection to a larger university system.
The campus spans over 1,400 acres and maintains a tranquil, natural setting that supports both academic and experiential learning. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and direct access to hands-on and applied programs. The curriculum emphasizes liberal arts foundations and professional preparation in fields such as education, nursing, business, agriculture, and veterinary nursing. With its mission rooted in service, scholarship, and community engagement, Marian University’s Ancilla College strives to nurture both academic competence and character, equipping students to succeed locally and beyond.
Contact Information
Address: 20097 9B Road, Plymouth, Indiana 46563
Phone Number: 574-262-4552
Email Address: admissionsMUAC@marian.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year (Ancilla) | 1937 |
| Type | Private, Catholic campus of Marian University |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic (Franciscan tradition) |
| Campus Size | Approximately 1,400 acres |
| Student Body (Undergraduate) | Around 218 students |
| Colors | Royal blue and gold |
| Merger with Marian University | Formal merger in 2021 |
| Athletic Nickname | Chargers |
| Campus Setting | Rural / natural environment |
Marian University’s Ancilla College Rankings
| Category | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 89.5 % |
| Graduation Rate | Around 32 % |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Around 8 to 1 |
| Net Price (after aid) | ~$24,675 per year |
| Tuition (undiscounted) | ~$19,850 per year |
| Loan Default Rate | 0 % (recently reported) |
Marian University’s Ancilla College Academics
Marian University’s Ancilla College Faculties / Departments
- Division of Agriculture & Veterinary Nursing
- Division of Business & Management
- Division of Education & Liberal Studies
- Division of Nursing & Health Professions
- Division of Science & Applied Sciences
- Division of Animal & Environmental Sciences
Marian University’s Ancilla College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Arts / Liberal Arts
- Associate of Science in Agriculture
- Associate in Veterinary Nursing
- Associate in Business Administration
- Associate in Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (offered on this campus)
- Associate / Transfer pathways in health professions
- Programs in exercise science, general education, and allied health
Online Learning
Marian University’s Ancilla College offers select online courses and hybrid options to accommodate nontraditional students and those balancing work or family obligations. While the core campus experience emphasizes in-person instruction, certain general education, foundational, or prerequisite courses may be available in digital formats. This flexibility helps expand access and allows students to progress even when in-person attendance is challenging. Through integration with the larger Marian University system, students may also access online resources, learning support, and cross-campus hybrid offerings.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Status |
|---|---|
| SAT | 860 – 1040 (when submitted) |
| ACT | 14 – 21 |
| GRE / Graduate Exams | Not broadly applicable at this campus |
SAT or ACT are considered optional or not strictly required for acceptance, depending on the applicant’s background. Many students are admitted on the strength of high school performance, GPA, and course preparation.
Retention and Graduation Rates
The campus reports a first-year retention rate of about 44 %, meaning fewer than half of new full-time students return for the second year on campus. Graduation rate is more modest, around 32 % of entering cohorts completing a degree within an expected timeframe. Some of the attrition stems from students transferring, balancing life challenges, or relocating, but the institution continues to invest in student support, advising, and engagement to improve these outcomes.
Marian University’s Ancilla College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants are generally expected to submit a solid high school GPA, often around 2.5 to 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, depending on competition. SAT or ACT scores, if submitted, are considered in the mid to lower range of test-taking students (e.g. SAT 860–1040, ACT 14–21), and are optional in many cases. The emphasis is on coursework, commitment, and fit rather than strict test cutoffs.
Marian University’s Ancilla College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~ 89.5 % |
This relatively high acceptance rate reflects the institution’s mission to broaden access, though it still exercises selectivity in academic preparation and program suitability.
Marian University’s Ancilla College Application Requirements
Applicants need to submit a completed application through the Marian University admissions portal, official high school transcripts, a minimum GPA, and any optional test scores. Some programs may require supplemental materials or essays, especially for clinical or health-related tracks. Recommendations or statements of purpose might be requested for specific majors. Because of the close alignment with Marian University, credit transferability and articulation agreements are considered during evaluation. The institution seeks to admit students who show academic preparedness, alignment with mission, and capacity to flourish in a small, engaged campus setting.
Application Process
- Select desired major or pathway at Ancilla College
- Submit completed application via Marian University admissions
- Provide official high school transcripts (and college transcripts if applicable)
- Optionally submit SAT or ACT scores, if available
- Submit any required program supplemental materials or statement
- Admissions review and decision
- If accepted, complete enrollment steps (financial aid, orientation, registration)
Marian University’s Ancilla College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline / Event | Date or Period |
|---|---|
| Fall Term Major Deadline | August 1 |
| Priority Advising Deadline | Late spring (e.g. April-May) |
| Final Enrollment / Registration | Shortly before start of fall semester |
| Financial Aid Filing | Early spring preceding enrollment |
Essay Prompt
Some programs may request a short personal statement or essay in which applicants describe their educational goals, service and community involvement, interest in their intended major (especially in health or education fields), and how they anticipate contributing to the campus community at Ancilla.
Marian University’s Ancilla College Scholarships
Ancilla College provides merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and program-specific awards to support student affordability. Many students receive institutional aid, federal grants, and external scholarships. The financial aid office works with incoming and continuing students to help them estimate net cost, apply for external funding, and optimize their aid package.
Marian University’s Ancilla College Tuition Fee
| Fee Type | Amount (2023 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (standard) | ~$19,850 per year |
| Net Price after Aid | ~$24,675 per year (includes room, board, etc.) |
| Room & Board (average) | ~$10,297 per year |
| Additional Costs | Fees, supplies, textbooks, transportation |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student population at Marian University’s Ancilla College is majority female, with women earning about 64.7 % of degrees awarded in recent years. Ethnically, the largest group is White students, followed by Black or African American, Hispanic/Latino, multiracial, and smaller proportions of other groups. Age-wise, most students are traditional college age (18–24), though some nontraditional or adult learners also participate. The campus draws from its local and regional area, so many students come from rural or small-town backgrounds with strong ties to their communities.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A substantial share of students receive financial aid, with approximately 93 % of undergraduates benefiting from grants or scholarships. Many of these aid awards support low-income students. The campus maintains student support services and disability accommodations to ensure equitable access, offering academic support, counseling, and accessibility arrangements as needed. The institutional ethos emphasizes service, compassion, and assistance, so students with limited resources or disabilities can access pathways to success.
Student Body
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 218 students |
| Full-Time Students | 215 (98.6 %) |
| Part-Time Students | 3 (1.4 %) |
| Degrees Awarded (recent year) | 51 |
| Students Receiving Grant Aid | ~93 % |
University Diversity
Diversity at Ancilla College is an important goal, despite its small size. Though the majority of students are White, the campus has representation from Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, multiracial, and nonresident groups. The campus culture emphasizes nursing, education, business, agriculture, and applied fields that serve broad communities, so students from a range of backgrounds bring varied life experiences. The environment encourages dialogue, inclusion, and cross-cultural respect. The Franciscan and Catholic heritage also underscores service and human dignity, framing campus life in values of compassion, cooperation, and ethical awareness. Efforts to recruit and support underrepresented students include scholarship opportunities, outreach, and student support initiatives to nurture persistence and belonging.
Average Earnings
Though small and largely associate-level, alumni of Ancilla College tend to enter local or regional employment in fields such as education, nursing support, business, agriculture, or veterinary support roles. Median earnings reported about five years after graduating are around $64,193 per year for those in fields where data is available, reflecting combinations of further education and full professional roles. Many graduates transfer or continue in four-year degrees, boosting long-term earning potential. In disciplines like nursing or education, careers often offer stable wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Because many students continue their studies or move into the broader Marian University network, their cumulative earnings may exceed initial entry levels.
Marian University’s Ancilla College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Ancilla College maintains a faculty body that supports a low student-faculty ratio of approximately 8 to 1, which facilitates one-on-one mentoring and close academic support. Faculty and staff include full-time instructors, adjuncts, student support personnel, advisors, and administrative staff. Many faculty members teach multiple courses, advise students, and engage in community outreach. Staff roles include admissions, academic support, campus operations, student life, facilities, and financial aid services. The close campus structure encourages collaboration across offices and direct interaction with students, creating a supportive educational environment.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Ancilla College are often highly invested in teaching and student success, frequently holding advanced degrees in their discipline and possessing background experience in applied fields. Many contribute to community and regional partnerships, especially in agriculture, health sciences, or education. Their achievements include mentoring students, designing practical curricula, and integrating experiential learning into coursework. Because the campus emphasizes applied and career-oriented training, faculty often bring professional backgrounds and industry connections into the classroom. Their dedication to student learning and personal attention is a distinguishing aspect of the campus experience.
Marian University’s Ancilla College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Ancilla College campus lies in rural northern Indiana, providing a quiet, natural backdrop conducive to study and reflection. Housing is available through student residences such as Hardesty Hall and Miller Hall, as well as portions of campus residences that support both commuter and residential life. Students often live on campus or nearby in the surrounding area. The campus includes scenic elements such as gardens, chapels, walking paths, lakes, and spiritual retreat spaces. Dining and communal spaces like Zirkle Commons support student interaction. Because of the campus’s relatively small population, much of student life centers around small group activities, campus ministry, student clubs, hands-on learning, and service events rather than large-scale social programming.
Transportation
Access to campus is primarily by car or local roads, as the campus is rural and somewhat remote. Students and staff typically commute via personal vehicles or carpool. On campus, mobility is facilitated by walkable pathways, bike routes, and intimate campus layout. For off-campus travel, regional roads connect to nearby towns, and limited public transportation may be available in the broader region. Parking is organized by campus zones (resident, commuter, general), and student parking permits are required in designated lots. The rural environment means many students drive, but the compact campus ensures minimal internal transit needs.