Head-to-head comparison
Butler University vs Marian University-Ancilla: which has better ROI?
Option A Indianapolis, IN
Butler University
- Net price / year
- $36,041
- Earnings, 10 years
- $77,235
- Payback
- 5 yrs
Option B Plymouth, IN
Marian University-Ancilla
- Net price / year
- $19,463
- Earnings, 10 years
- $58,759
- Payback
- 3.7 yrs
Marian University-Ancilla has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $38,926 in 3.7 years versus 5 years at Butler University, on median earnings of $58,759 vs $77,235 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Butler University | Marian University-Ancilla |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,041 | $19,463 |
| Total net cost | $144,164 | $38,926 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $77,235 | $58,759 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 5 yrs | 3.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $433,336 | $169,054 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla?
Marian University-Ancilla, at $19,463 a year after aid versus $36,041 — a gap of $16,578 a year, or $105,238 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla graduates earn more?
Butler University graduates report a median $77,235 ten years after entry, $18,476 more than the $58,759 at Marian University-Ancilla. 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.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, Butler University or Marian University-Ancilla?
Butler University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Marian University-Ancilla, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.