Skip to content
degreedividend.
ROI calculator
Independent college researchBuilt on federal dataNo rankings for sale

Head-to-head comparison

Valparaiso University vs Marian University-Ancilla: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Valparaiso IN · vs · Private nonprofit, Plymouth IN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University

Net price / year
$18,578
Earnings, 10 years
$63,191
Payback
5 yrs

Option B Plymouth, IN

Marian University-Ancilla

Net price / year
$19,463
Earnings, 10 years
$58,759
Payback
3.7 yrs
The verdict

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 Valparaiso University, on median earnings of $58,759 vs $63,191 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureValparaiso UniversityMarian University-Ancilla
Net price / yr$18,578$19,463
Total net cost$74,312$38,926
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,191$58,759
Median debt$26,942$27,000
Payback5 yrs3.7 yrs
20-year net return$222,308$169,054

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Valparaiso University or Marian University-Ancilla?

Valparaiso University, at $18,578 a year after aid versus $19,463 — a gap of $885 a year, or $35,386 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 Valparaiso University or Marian University-Ancilla graduates earn more?

Valparaiso University graduates report a median $63,191 ten years after entry, $4,432 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, Valparaiso University or Marian University-Ancilla?

Valparaiso University: its completers carry a median $26,942 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Marian University-Ancilla, a difference of $58. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Valparaiso University vs Marian University-Ancilla: frequently asked questions

Is Valparaiso University or Marian University-Ancilla a better value?
Marian University-Ancilla. It clears its $38,926 net cost in about 3.7 years versus 5 years at Valparaiso University, on median earnings of $58,759 vs $63,191 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Valparaiso University or Marian University-Ancilla?
Valparaiso University: $18,578/yr net price after aid versus $19,463/yr at Marian University-Ancilla — a difference of $885 a year, or about $35,386 over four years.
Do Valparaiso University or Marian University-Ancilla graduates earn more?
Valparaiso University graduates earn a median $63,191 ten years after entry, versus $58,759 at Marian University-Ancilla — a $4,432 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.