Madonna University
Madonna University is a private nonprofit university in Livonia, MI ranked #603 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 1,637 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 92.9%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.8% first-year retention, and 58.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $17,815, about $817 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -30.0%, roughly 115.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,871. That's about $6,183 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Madonna University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Madonna University graduates 58.1% of students within six years and keeps 71.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Madonna University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $27,360 |
| Books and Supplies | $648 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,840 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,102 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $38,809 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 29.5% of Madonna University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,809 to $21,909 depending on family income. Use Madonna University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,017/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,909/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,871
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,871
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 48.3%
- Employment Rate 89.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Madonna University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Madonna University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Madonna University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Madonna University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Madonna University graduates earn $49,871 median, the -30.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 460-560
- SAT Math 430-560
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,637
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.8%
- Graduation Rate 58.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Madonna University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Madonna University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 92.9%, Madonna University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 92.9% acceptance rate, Madonna University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 890 and 1120 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Madonna University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, International Business, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 29.0%
- International Business 9.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.7%
- Biology, General 4.3%
- Social Work 3.8%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 3.2%
- American Sign Language 2.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $73,416
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections $59,931
- 3. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $59,902
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $46,127
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $35,691
- 6. American Sign Language $30,013
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $107,914
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $76,862
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $72,433
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Social Work (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $49,884
- 5. Social Work (Master's Degree) $49,774
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $73,416—145% more than American Sign Language ($30,013). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $107,914 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Madonna University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 28 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Social Work (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 21 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (53 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Social Work
- American Sign Language
- Security Science and Technology
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Music
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Dance
- History
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Fire Protection
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Chemistry
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Natural Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Marketing
- Journalism
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Engineering, Other
- Education, Other
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Social Sciences, Other
- Homeland Security
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Master's Degrees (18 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Sciences, Other
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- History
- Education, Other
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teaching Assistants/Aides
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (15 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sustainability Studies
- Social Sciences, Other
- Security Science and Technology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Marketing
- Human Services, General
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (39 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Security Science and Technology
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Music
- Legal Support Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Education, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Sustainability Studies
- Social Work
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- History
- Fire Protection
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Area Studies
- American Sign Language
- Homeland Security
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,637
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.5%
- Female Students 63.5%
- Caucasian 62.9%
- Asian 3.2%
- Hispanic 5.2%
- Black 13.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 29.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Madonna University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Madonna University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Madonna University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Madonna University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 63.5% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Madonna University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Madonna University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Madonna University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -30.0% ROI. Ranked #603 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $17,815 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $49,871 median earnings. With 58.1% graduating within six years and 71.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Madonna University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #603 ranking, Madonna University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $17,815 annually, Madonna University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $12,470 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -30.0% ROI and $49,871 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $7,815+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Madonna University ranks #603 of 6272 institutions, with 510 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 58.1% six-year graduation rate sits 4.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.8% first-year retention is 5.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -30.0% return on investment is 115.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,871 run about 14% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,815 is roughly $697 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.9% employment rate within three years sits 21.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $17,815 is about $697 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 29.5% trails the national share by 9.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Madonna University is a private nonprofit university based in Livonia, MI and earns a B+ overall grade. It appears at #603 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 71.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 58.1% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -30.0%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $17,815 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $38,809.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $20,994 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 29.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $49,871 at the median. This is roughly 14% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 89.9% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -30.0%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
92.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Madonna University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Livonia, MI 48150-1176
- Website www.madonna.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$44.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.8%