Bluffton University vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marian University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (1,246 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Marian University 11:1.

Bluffton University vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University or Marian University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bluffton University than Marian University ($20,429 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 19.4% lower than at Bluffton University ($9,849 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marian University (about $2,184 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $35,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Bluffton University than at Marian University (about $2,184 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $35,178.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University as at Marian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 44.4% larger than aid received by Marian University students ($31,481 vs. $21,805).

Bluffton University vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluffton University or Marian University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Marian University and Bluffton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluffton University (1000) is 60 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming Marian University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 860/1130; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 16/22; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bluffton University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Marian University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 18% at Marian University.

Bluffton University vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University and Marian University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Marian University's (52%).
• Graduates from Marian University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marian University and Bluffton University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marian University and Bluffton University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marian University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.