Head-to-head · 2026
Marion Military Institute vs University of South Alabama
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Marion Military Institute, 3 for University of South Alabama — Marion Military Institute has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Marion Military Institute | University of South Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 17.28 ✓ | 6.99 |
| Avg net price | $8,627 ✓ | $17,648 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,644 ✓ | $49,379 |
| Acceptance rate | 97% | 71% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 36% | 52.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,250 ✓ | $24,929 |
| Enrollment | 329 | 8,879 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1068 | 1147 ✓ |
| Wins | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Alabama costs $9,021 more per year than Marion Military Institute ($17,648 vs $8,627). Marion Military Institute graduates report $10,265 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,644 vs $49,379). On EduGradify's model that puts Marion Military Institute ahead on projected ROI (17.28 vs 6.99, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Marion Military Institute) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Marion Military Institute is accessible at 97% acceptance versus 71% (accessible) at University of South Alabama.
Frequently asked
Marion Military Institute vs University of South Alabama, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Marion Military Institute or University of South Alabama the better value?
Marion Military Institute has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.28 vs 6.99), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Marion Military Institute is cheaper — average net price $8,627 per year vs $17,648 at University of South Alabama. The annual difference of $9,021 adds up to about $36,084 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Marion Military Institute reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,644 vs $49,379 at University of South Alabama. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,265.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Alabama is more selective at 71% acceptance vs 97% at Marion Military Institute.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Marion Military Institute reports a A+ value grade; University of South Alabama reports C.