
Canton, OHprivate nonprofitmalone.edu
Malone University is a small Christian liberal arts school in Canton, Ohio, where three-quarters of applicants get in but only about half graduate—a place where faith, affordability, and practical career prep collide. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and a 90% post-grad employment rate for those who stick it out, Malone offers a tight-knit, no-party evangelical community where business and sports management majors dominate.
Malone University is decidedly not selective—about 76% of applicants get in, with admitted students typically sporting a 3.49 GPA and SAT scores between 930–1180 (or ACT scores of 18–24). The school explicitly states it seeks applicants with at least a 2.5 GPA and 15 ACT score, but emphasizes Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone.: 'We encourage anyone who feels Malone could be the right fit to apply.' Notably, only 996 of 1,313 applicants were admitted in 2024, suggesting modest demand.
Malone offers 59 majors with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, leaning heavily into practical, career-oriented programs: business administration, sport and fitness management, and nursing are the most popular. The university boasts a 60% graduation rate (though other sources cite 51-65%) and a 76% freshman retention rate—middling for a small private school. Faculty focus on 'real-world experience,' with many programs incorporating internships. The curriculum is unapologetically Christian, with required Bible/theology courses.
This is a dry, conservative campus where 'party culture is minimal or non-existent' due to strict no-alcohol/drug policies. With 987 undergrads (54% female), Malone fosters intentional community through chapel services, service projects, and quirky traditions like Maxamoose (a moose mascot alongside the official Pioneer). Multicultural Services actively promotes diversity, though the student body remains predominantly white. Campus housing is the norm, reinforcing the school’s emphasis on 'living in close, Christian community.'
Malone’s 6-year graduation rate hovers around 51-65% (below national averages), but those who finish thrive: 90% are employed post-graduation, often by their internship sites. Early-career earnings are modest ($36,427 median at 1 year, $48,909 at 10 years). Licensure programs (e.g., nursing, education) boast strong first-time pass rates. Pell Grant recipients graduate at just 40%, signaling challenges for lower-income students.
Malone’s average net price is $21,571 after aid—lower than many private schools thanks to robust scholarships. 82% of students receive financial aid, with average packages of $27,701. The school offers both need-based and Merit aidScholarship money awarded for achievements like grades, talents, or test scores — not based on your family's financial need., including automatic scholarships for GPA/ACT scores. Still, the price tag may give pause given the middling graduation rates.
Malone is uniquely positioned for evangelical students seeking a close-knit, affordable Christian education with strong job placement. The moose mascot, mandatory chapels, and 'no tolerance' substance policies won’t appeal to everyone, but for those aligned with its values, Malone delivers personalized attention and practical degrees without the cutthroat competition of more selective faith-based schools. Just know: you’ll need grit to join the 60% who graduate.