Malone University
Canton, Ohio · Private Nonprofit · 75.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 37/100 · Poor Value
Malone University scores 37 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale — one of the lower ratings in this dataset. Three metrics define the rating: a 45.0% completion rate (more than half of enrolled students do not earn a degree), $39,800 median 6-year earnings, and a 16.1-year payback period. Sticker tuition of $37,160 is discounted to a $20,948 net price, producing an $83,792 four-year cost that graduates struggle to repay against median earnings. Median debt of $26,289 against $39,800 earnings produces a 0.661 debt-to-earnings ratio. The repayment rate of 78.9% at three years is moderate. Nursing (21 graduates) is the bright spot with $67,144 year one and $73,856 at year four — though at a C+-grade ROI, not exceptional even within this program. Business Administration (41 graduates) earns $52,431 year one and $64,881 at four years with a C+-grade ROI. Beyond those two, outcomes deteriorate: Kinesiology (22 graduates) earns $31,005 year one with a D-grade; Biology (5 graduates) earns $22,005 year one with an F-grade. The communication program earns $26,204 year one with an F-grade. Malone is a small evangelical Christian university in Canton, OH, and the Quaker-heritage faith identity shapes the student culture. Students attracted for those reasons may find value in the community that earnings data does not capture — but the financial outcomes are weak across most of the program portfolio.
The data raises concerns about Malone University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score37/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period16.1 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Malone University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $37,160/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $37,160/yr |
| Average net price | $20,948/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $83,792 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,909 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,800 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,289 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $279 |
| Estimated payback period | 16.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 45.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 798 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Malone University is $37,160/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,948/year, or roughly $83,792 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $13,290/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,613/year.
The median graduate leaves with $26,289 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $279 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $48,909 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.66 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,290 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,253 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,667 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,502 |
| $110,001+ | $24,613 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $13,290 per year at Malone — the lowest net price tier and a meaningful discount. Over four years that is roughly $53,160. For low-income students who complete nursing or business and graduate, the cost-to-earnings ratio is tight but survivable. The 45% completion rate is the central risk: low-income students who do not complete face debt without a credential, which can be financially damaging for families with limited safety nets.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $17,667 and the 75001-110000 bracket jumps to $24,502. The gap between these two brackets is notable — $6,835 per year. Middle-income families paying $17,000-24,000 per year for a school with $39,800 median earnings and a 45% completion rate should carefully assess whether the faith community and campus culture justify the financial risk. Program selection is critical at these net price levels.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $24,613 per year — roughly $98,450 over four years. At a 16.1-year payback and $39,800 median earnings, the full-pay case at Malone is difficult to defend on financial terms alone. Higher-income families choosing Malone are doing so primarily for the faith environment and small community; they should enter with clear expectations that the financial return is not a primary outcome.
Earnings by Major
Top 9 most popular majors at Malone University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $64,881 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $47,256 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $73,856 | C+ |
| Social Work | $46,238 | C |
| Teacher Education | $41,544 | - |
| Marketing | $65,015 | C |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other | $49,148 | F |
| Biology | $41,515 | F |
| Accounting | $55,458 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Nursing (21 graduates) is Malone's best outcome: $67,144 year one, $73,856 at four years, C+-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.477, median debt $32,055). The high median debt of $32,055 reflects Malone's net price and borrowing patterns. Year-one earnings of $67,144 are competitive for Canton-area RN employment. Despite the C+ grade, nursing at Malone is the clearest positive return in the program mix. Cohort size of 21 graduates is small, limiting statistical stability.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (41 graduates) earns $52,431 year one and $64,881 at four years — C+-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.533, median debt $27,965). This is the highest-volume program with above-average outcomes relative to the institution. Year-one earnings of $52,431 are solid for northeast Ohio. Students with business intentions who complete the degree have a reasonable earnings trajectory, though the four-year total cost of $83,792 means they are carrying meaningful debt relative to those earnings.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Kinesiology (22 graduates) earns $31,005 year one and $47,256 at four years — D-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.871, median debt $27,000). Year-one earnings in exercise science reflect personal training, fitness management, and physical therapy assistant roles that pay poorly relative to debt. Students who intend to pursue physical therapy (DPT) or athletic training at the graduate level are essentially treating Malone as a pre-professional stepping stone, which adds significant cost and time beyond the undergraduate degree.
Biology
Biology (5 graduates) earns $22,005 year one and $41,515 at four years — F-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 1.227, median debt $27,000). A debt-to-earnings ratio above 1.2 at year one signals severe financial stress. This program's outcomes are poor in absolute terms and relative to debt. The small cohort of 5 graduates limits statistical reliability, but the directional signal is clear. Biology at Malone at $20,948 net price does not produce outcomes that justify the cost by Scorecard data.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 75.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 78.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 69.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 77.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 75.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 470-590 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-24 |
| Enrollment | 798 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,917 |
At 75.9%, Malone is moderately accessible. SAT and ACT ranges are below national averages, consistent with a regional faith-affiliated institution. The practical risk is not admission — it is completion. With a 45% four-year graduation rate, students and families need to understand that most enrolled students do not finish a degree at Malone. Those who complete nursing or business have defensible outcomes; those who leave without a degree carry debt with no credential.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Malone's Scorecard peer schools include Allegheny Wesleyan College (OH), Art Academy of Cincinnati (OH), Peirce College (PA), McPherson College (KS), and Milligan University (TN). These are all small, faith-affiliated institutions with limited program breadth and below-average ROI scores. Milligan University (TN, ROI approximately 42) is the most direct comparison. Malone's 37 score reflects the combination of moderate private-school pricing, a 45% completion rate, and weak earnings outcomes across most programs — a profile common among small evangelical colleges in the Midwest.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malone University (this school) | 37 | $20,948 | $48,909 |
| Peirce College | 38 | $12,148 | $50,660 |
| Milligan University | 37 | $21,365 | $46,641 |
| McPherson College | 36 | $26,441 | $52,084 |
| Allegheny Wesleyan College | 29 | $5,355 | $37,453 |
| Art Academy of Cincinnati | 9 | $34,253 | $34,368 |
Who Thrives Here
Malone admits 75.9% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 460-590 Math and 470-590 Reading, ACT composite 18-24. Enrollment of 798 is very small. Pell rate of 32.5% reflects significant financial need in the student body. The majority of students are Ohio residents at a faith-affiliated institution. The 45% completion rate is the dominant risk factor — a coin-flip odds that a student who enrolls will graduate. Students considering Malone should have explicit completion plans and realistic assessments of whether the campus environment and faith community are strong enough reasons to enroll at this cost level.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Malone University. With a net cost of $20,948 per year and median graduate earnings of only $48,909 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 16.1 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 45.0% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and a long payback period.
Median debt of $26,289 against $48,909 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.