Madonna University

Madonna offers a pragmatic, career-oriented curriculum with over 60 bachelor's degrees and 30 graduate programs, heavily skewed toward health professions (the most popular major is nursing) and business administration. The university leans into flexibility—students can cobble together custom general studies degrees from 100+ undergraduate majors, and adult learners are courted through degree-completion programs. While not research-intensive, Madonna provides hands-on training in fields like criminal justice, education, and psychology, with graduate options including doctoral programs in nursing practice.

Notable features:

• Health sciences dominate: Registered Nursing is the #1 major, followed by Business Administration
• Hyper-flexible pathways: General Studies BA allows mixing concentrations from 100+ options
• Adult learner focus: Degree-completion programs cater to working professionals
• Graduate offerings: 30 master's and doctoral programs, mostly in applied fields

With just 1,839 undergraduates (64% female) and a commuter-heavy population, Madonna fosters intimacy through Catholic traditions and service projects like urban gardening initiatives. Residence life promotes a "living-learning atmosphere" in modest on-campus housing, while the library serves as a quiet hub for study groups. The vibe is unpretentious and community-oriented—Facebook posts showcase students bonding over volunteer work rather than raucous parties. Diversity initiatives are framed through the lens of Franciscan values, though the student body remains predominantly local.

Campus snapshot:

• Demographics: 64.2% female, 35.8% male undergraduates (Fall 2024)
• Housing: Small residential community focused on academic support
• Culture: Service-oriented with Catholic identity (e.g., community outreach gardens)
• Social media presence: Facebook page highlights low-key, values-driven activities

Madonna graduates earn modest early-career salaries—about $36,427-$41,000 annually—reflecting its emphasis on middle-class professions like nursing and teaching rather than high-finance or tech. The university touts a correlation between GPA and career success (3.0+ graduates fare better), though federal data suggests many students struggle to complete degrees on time. Outcomes are typical for a regional teaching college: solid job placement in Detroit-area healthcare and education, but limited national reach or high-earning potential.

By the numbers:

• Early career earnings: $36,427 (Niche) to $41,000 (College Factual)
• GPA impact: 3.0+ graduates report stronger career trajectories
• Graduation rates: Below national averages (exact figures unavailable in sources)
• Alumni network: Concentrated in Southeast Michigan industries

Madonna positions itself as an affordable private option, with 84% of first-years receiving need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. averaging $22,034—bringing net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $18,583 for many students. The university heavily promotes its net price calculator, acknowledging most attendees require substantial assistance. While sticker tuition is typical for Michigan privates (~$36,600), aggressive discounting through grants and scholarships (average package: $23,808) makes it accessible to working-class families.

Financial breakdown:

• Sticker price: ~$36,600 (Schoolcraft Rd address implies reference to tuition)
• Average aid package: $23,808 (75.53% of students receive aid)
• Net price: $18,583 after aid for typical student
• Need-based grants: $22,034 average for first-years (84% receive)

Madonna carves a niche as Detroit's most accessible Catholic university—a no-frills, high-touch alternative to larger regional competitors like University of Detroit Mercy. Its superpower is converting modest student profiles (sub-1140 SATs, often first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context.) into nursing and education credentials with strong local employer connections. The Franciscan identity manifests more in service learning than doctrinal rigor, appealing to spiritually inclined but pragmatically minded Michiganders. While lacking prestige or research clout, Madonna delivers exactly what its demographic needs: affordable, flexible degrees with clear ROI in Southeast Michigan's job market.