Nelson University vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

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

Nelson University is larger than Marian University based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 1,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nelson University is located in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nelson University 15:1; Marian University 11:1.

Nelson University vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nelson 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 Nelson University than Marian University ($22,359 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 2.5% lower than at Marian University ($9,598 vs. $9,849).
• Marian University is 40.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $10,114 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.4% higher at Marian University than at Nelson University (about $10,114 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marian University than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 80.6% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($21,805 vs. $12,075).

Nelson University vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nelson 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 Nelson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nelson University (990) is 50 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nelson University 890/1090; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nelson University - Required; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Nelson University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Marian University (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 56.8% at Nelson University vs. 18% at Marian University.

Nelson University vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nelson 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Marian University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nelson University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Marian University graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Nelson University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 50%)

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.