Madonna University logo

Madonna University

Livonia, MI Private ยท Urban www.madonna.edu
Accept Rate
92.93%
Grad Rate
54.3%
Enrollment
1,637
Avg SAT
1000
Tuition
$27,360
Median Salary
$59,058
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Madonna University offers a close-knit, faith-based community where students are known by name, not just by number. The campus feels supportive and personal, with a strong sense of community rooted in its Franciscan Sisters of the Divine Spirit heritage. It's a place where you'll find a welcoming atmosphere focused on service and personal growth.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

92.93%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 100075th Pctl
8901120
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 23

Admissions Tips

With a high acceptance rate, Madonna is generally accessible, but you should still submit a solid application that highlights your personal goals and involvement. Since the university values its mission of service and community, emphasize any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that align with these values in your essay or application. If you have a specific program in mind, like nursing or criminal justice, mention your specific interest to show you've done your research.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1000
40080012001600
School range: 890โ€“1120

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Academics are centered on practical, career-focused programs, with top strengths in Health Professions, Criminal Justice, and Business. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty who are dedicated to teaching and mentorship. While research opportunities exist, the focus is more on hands-on learning and applied projects that directly prepare students for the workforce.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
42.1%
Criminal Justice
15.8%
Business & Marketing
12.9%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.8%
Biology & Biomedical
3.4%
Psychology
3.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.3%
Public Administration
3.3%
Education
2.9%
Legal Studies
1.5%
Social Sciences
1.1%
Communications
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

54.3%
Graduation Rate
71.8%
Retention Rate
1,637
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$27,360
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$17,815
After financial aid
Total Cost
$38,809
Cost of attendance/year
29.5%
Receive Pell Grants
54.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Livonia

Life in Livonia is suburban and convenient, with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and parks. Students often take short trips to nearby Detroit for major league sports, concerts, and a vibrant nightlife scene. On campus, student life is active with various clubs, events, and a strong sense of community.

Local Rent Check

$1,019 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Livonia
Explore Livonia

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$109,440
$0Est. 4 Years: $109,440

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,058):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Madonna University is located in Livonia, a suburb known for being one of the safest cities in the Detroit metropolitan area. The campus itself has its own campus safety department, and the surrounding community is generally very safe and family-friendly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible private university option.
  • โœ“ Strong programs in high-demand fields like Health Professions and Criminal Justice.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and personalized attention from dedicated faculty.
  • โœ“ Safe, suburban campus in a desirable and convenient location.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 54.3% is below the national average, suggesting student retention can be a challenge.
  • โœ— The 71.8% retention rate indicates some students may transfer after their first year.
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment means a less diverse range of clubs and activities compared to large state schools.

Notable Alumni

Christine C. Kavanagh
A prominent attorney and legal professional in Michigan.
Deborah A. Stakelin
Former president of the Michigan State Bar and a respected legal figure.
Dennis DeBusschere
Former professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madonna University is best known for its strong, career-oriented programs in Health Professions (like nursing) and Criminal Justice. It is also recognized for its visual and performing arts programs and its identity as a private, Catholic university founded by the Franciscan Sisters of the Divine Spirit, emphasizing service and community.

No, Madonna University is not considered a highly selective school. It has a high acceptance rate of 92.93%, meaning most applicants are admitted. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1000, making it an accessible option for many students with average academic backgrounds.

Campus life at Madonna is characterized by a close-knit, community-focused atmosphere. With a small enrollment of around 1,637 students, you can expect small classes and personal relationships with professors. The suburban campus in Livonia offers a safe environment, and while student activities exist, the experience is more intimate compared to large state universities.

For many students, Madonna University offers a solid return on investment. The average net price of $17,815 is considerably lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median earnings of $59,058 are competitive. The value is particularly strong for those pursuing high-demand fields like nursing or criminal justice, where the practical training leads directly to employment. However, prospective students should be mindful of the graduation rate when considering their investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

St. Joseph Mercy Health System Henry Ford Health System Detroit Police Department Ford Motor Company Local Government Agencies
Smart Start Score
60

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,903
  • In-State Tuition $27,360
  • Zip Code 48150

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 36.5% โ™€ 63.5%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $17,815, Madonna is significantly more affordable than many private universities. The 10-year median earnings of $59,058 suggest a solid return on investment, especially for professional degrees in high-demand fields like health and criminal justice. For many students, the combination of accessible tuition and strong career outcomes makes it a financially sound choice.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $27,360
Housing (12 mo) $12,228
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $46,788
With avg financial aid:
$17,815/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.