Madonna University is an independent Catholic liberal arts institution in Livonia, Michigan, within the suburban Detroit metropolitan area. It ranks #74 in the Best Regional Universities Midwest list as per US News 2026.
The university offers 100+ undergraduate majors and 40+ graduate programs across ten schools. Nursing, business, education and liberal arts form the core academic mix. English is the medium of instruction for all on-campus and online degrees.
Indian applicants find natural fit in the affordable MS universities in USA portfolio. Nursing and business leadership tracks draw the most Indian enrolments. Five online masters are priced at $550 per credit hour.
- US News Best Regional Universities Midwest 2026: #74 of 161
- US News Best Value Schools 2026: #49
- Acceptance rate: 88% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall, Winter and Summer
- Undergraduate tuition: $29,580 per year / ₹28.06 lakh
- On-campus graduate tuition: $18,000 per year / ₹17.07 lakh
Merit scholarships up to $14,000 per year lower sticker fees for eligible undergraduate students. Financial aid packages support 76% of first-year students as per US News 2026. Cost-conscious Indian families can shortlist peer options via the MBA universities in USA guide.
F-1 visa holders qualify for 12 months of post-completion OPT. STEM graduates receive a further 24-month OPT extension.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.83 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Winter 2027 intake). The overseas application deadline for Winter 2027 entry is 01 October 2026, less than 5 weeks from today. The next cycle, for Summer 2027 entry, closes 01 February 2027 on a rolling basis. Fall 2027, the main intake for Indian students, closes 01 April 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Madonna University 2027
- Madonna University Admission 2027
- Madonna University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Madonna University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Madonna University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Madonna University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Madonna University Scholarships 2027
- Madonna University Rankings 2027
- Madonna University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Madonna University vs Peer Universities
- Madonna University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Madonna University 2027
Madonna University charges a flat annual tuition for full-time undergraduates. Graduate programs use a per-credit rate. Undergraduate fees are billed at $29,580 per year for the standard 4-year duration.
Graduate tuition varies by delivery mode. On-campus programs list $18,000 per year, and five online masters run at $550 per credit hour. Clinical nursing tracks (MSN) list $1,065 per credit hour.
The Top 10 postgraduate programs sit below. Programs without published totals show credit-based estimates.
| Program Name | Total Fee ($) | Total Fee (₹ lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (on-campus, 2 years) | 36,000 | 34.14 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MSN Nursing Administration | 55,380 (estimated) | 52.52 lakh (estimated) | BSN with 55% (recommended) plus active RN license |
| MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | confirm on the official fee schedule | confirm on the official fee schedule | BSN with 55% (recommended) plus active RN license |
| MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP | confirm on the official fee schedule | confirm on the official fee schedule | BSN with 55% (recommended) plus active RN license |
| MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP | confirm on the official fee schedule | confirm on the official fee schedule | BSN with 55% (recommended) plus active RN license |
| MS Business Leadership (online, 30 credits) | 16,500 | 15.65 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Criminal Justice Leadership (online, 30 credits) | 16,500 | 15.65 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Transformational Educational Leadership (online, 33 credits) | 18,150 | 17.21 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Nonprofit Leadership (online, 30 credits) | 16,500 | 15.65 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MA Higher Education Administration (online, 30 credits) | 16,500 | 15.65 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
The Top 5 undergraduate programs below use the flat 2025-26 annual tuition of $29,580. This rate is held constant across majors and multiplied by the standard 4-year duration.
| Program Name | Total Fee ($) | Total Fee (₹ lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Comprehensive Elementary Education | 118,320 | 112.24 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Biology | 118,320 | 112.24 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BA Broadcast and Cinema Arts | 118,320 | 112.24 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BA English-Journalism | 118,320 | 112.24 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BSN Nursing | 118,320 | 112.24 lakh | Class 12 Science stream with 75% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students concentrate in the MSN Nursing tracks and the MBA program. Both qualify for post-study OPT extensions.
Read More: Madonna University Fees and Programs Guide
Madonna University Admission 2027
Madonna University runs three intakes each year for international applicants, with staggered overseas deadlines. The primary intake for Indian students is Fall, followed by Winter for course-limited entries.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2027 application deadline (overseas) | 01 October 2026 | Closing within 5 weeks; smaller cohort intake |
| Summer 2027 application deadline (overseas) | 01 February 2027 | Limited program list; verify course availability |
| Fall 2027 application deadline (overseas) | 01 April 2027 | Main intake for Indian students with widest course choice |
| Credential verification (WES or equivalent) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Required for transcript evaluation and admission decision |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | Expected August 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Verify on the official academic calendar |
Planning note: Overseas applicants must submit a completed I-20 financial statement. Proof of funds must equal one full year of attendance costs.
Read More: Madonna University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Madonna University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Madonna University sets English proficiency and academic thresholds separately for undergraduate and graduate applicants, with several accepted test alternatives.
Postgraduate applicants must submit:
- Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) from a recognised Indian university
- English test: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, MET 71 or Duolingo 110
- WES or equivalent credential verification of Indian transcripts
- MSN applicants: valid nursing license or eligibility for US licensure
Undergraduate applicants must submit:
- Class 12 with 65% to 85% (recommended) depending on program
- English test: TOEFL iBT 70, IELTS 6.0, MET 51 or Duolingo 105
- Official school-stamped transcripts with subjects, grades and graduation date
Key insight: Applicants below the English thresholds may still receive conditional admission. Mandatory English for Academic Purposes coursework runs on arrival.
Madonna University Acceptance Rate 2027
Madonna University records an acceptance rate of 88% (estimated). It sits among the more accessible Catholic liberal arts colleges in Michigan.
The university does not centrally publish its acceptance rate. The figure is a third-party-derived estimate held broadly stable over recent years.
The high admit rate reflects Madonna’s teaching-first mission and mid-range test-optional selectivity. Nursing programs are more competitive than the university-wide rate due to clinical seat caps.
Reality check: A high acceptance rate does not remove financial documentation requirements. Overseas applicants must clear I-20 proof-of-funds review before SEVIS record issuance.
Read More: Madonna University Acceptance Rate
Madonna University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for on-campus Indian undergraduates lands between $48,900 and $52,000 (₹46.37 lakh to ₹49.31 lakh). This combines tuition, housing, food and mandatory fees.
Madonna University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition is charged annually for full-time undergraduates and per credit for most graduate options.
| Level | Annual Tuition ($) | Annual Tuition (₹ lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (full-time) | 29,580 | 28.06 lakh |
| Graduate on-campus (full-time) | 18,000 | 17.07 lakh |
| Graduate online (5 designated masters, per credit) | 550 per credit | 0.52 lakh per credit |
| MSN clinical tracks (per credit) | 1,065 per credit | 1.01 lakh per credit |
Madonna University Monthly Cost of Living in Livonia for Indian Students
Livonia is a low-density Detroit suburb with rents well below coastal US cities. Estimates below combine the university-published housing rate with UKCISA-style guidance for other line items.
| Expense | Monthly ($) | Monthly (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus, incl. utilities) | 850 | 80,606 |
| Food and dining | 400 (estimated) | 37,932 (estimated) |
| Transportation | 100 (estimated) | 9,483 (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | 60 | 5,690 |
| Personal and health insurance | 200 (estimated) | 18,966 (estimated) |
| Total monthly | 1,610 | 1.53 lakh |
| Total annual | 19,320 | 18.32 lakh |
Housing and food figures marked as sourced come from the Madonna University 2025-26 rate schedule. Other line items are estimated for Metro Detroit and vary by household choices.
Insider note: Off-campus 1-BHK rents in Livonia sit between $900 and $1,200 per month. Sharing lowers per-person cost by 30% to 40%.
Madonna University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Madonna University’s 80-acre campus sits in suburban Livonia, 30 minutes from downtown Detroit and Detroit Metro Airport.
- Location and transport: Livonia has limited public transit; most Indian students share off-campus rentals or use SMART bus routes. See other universities in USA for comparison.
- Housing: On-campus residence halls cost $13,640 per year including meal plan; housing is not guaranteed for graduate students.
- Key facility: The LEED Gold-certified Franciscan Center houses classrooms, labs and the Alliance Catholic Credit Union Arena for varsity events.
- Indian community: The university hosts an active International Student Association with cultural events across major festivals.
What Indian students say: Class sizes are small with direct faculty access. The Livonia setting is quiet and suits focused study. A car is useful for weekend travel.
Madonna University Scholarships 2027
Madonna University offers six named merit scholarships for undergraduate students plus separate awards for international applicants and affiliation-based grants. Awards are stacked onto financial aid packages. No separate application is required beyond the admission form.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Francis Scholarship | Merit UG | $14,000 per year | 3.8+ HS GPA or 3.6+ GPA with 28+ ACT / 1300+ SAT | Admission application deadline |
| St. Clare Scholarship | Merit UG | $12,000 per year | 3.6+ HS GPA or 3.4+ GPA with 26+ ACT / 1230+ SAT | Admission application deadline |
| St. Felix Scholarship | Merit UG | $10,000 per year | 3.4+ HS GPA or 3.2+ GPA with 24+ ACT / 1160+ SAT | Admission application deadline |
| Blessed Mary Angela Scholarship | Merit UG | $8,000 per year | 3.2+ HS GPA or 3.0+ GPA with 22+ ACT / 1100+ SAT | Admission application deadline |
| Sr. M Paula Tokarski Scholarship | Merit UG | $6,000 per year | 2.8+ HS GPA | Admission application deadline |
| Sr. M Raynelda Makarewicz Award | Transfer | $4,000 per year | 2.5+ transfer GPA | Admission application deadline |
Other grants include the Catholic High School Award ($4,000) and the Alumni Legacy Award ($2,000). Add-on awards include Phi Theta Kappa Transfer ($1,000) and Performing Arts ($3,000). International merit awards range $2,000 to $6,000 per year; verify at the official financial aid page.
Planning note: The named merit scholarships are keyed to US high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Indian applicants without SAT/ACT should ask admissions how Class 12 marks map to each tier.
Read More: Madonna University Scholarships Guide
Madonna University Rankings 2027
Madonna University’s strongest ranking is #74 in the US News Best Regional Universities Midwest 2026 edition. The list ranks 161 institutions. It also holds #49 in Best Value Schools as per US News 2026.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Category / Note |
|---|---|---|
| US News Best Regional Universities Midwest | 2026: #74 of 161 | Primary US News ranking category for Madonna |
| US News Best Value Schools | 2026: #49 | Value recognition category |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Regional teaching-focused institution |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Regional teaching-focused institution |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad Nursing (USA) | 2024: #47 of 145 | Subject-specific rank |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, Collegedunia Study Abroad Nursing 2024]
Key insight: Regional US News rank is not a proxy for global research standing. For Indian employers, brand recognition centres on Madonna’s nursing and MBA programs.
Read More: Madonna University Rankings Analysis
Madonna University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Madonna University publishes limited centralised placement data; outcomes vary sharply by program and delivery mode.
- Placement rate: Not centrally disclosed by the university
- Median starting salary: Not centrally disclosed; nursing graduates in Michigan typically earn $65,000 to $75,000 (market median)
- Top sectors: Healthcare and nursing, K-12 and higher education, criminal justice, business administration, non-profit management
- Career services: On-campus Career Center offers advising, resume review, mock interviews and OPT guidance for F-1 students
- Post-study work: All Madonna graduates qualify for 12-month OPT; STEM-designated programs receive a 24-month OPT extension
Insider note: Nursing graduates who clear NCLEX-RN typically receive job offers within 8 to 12 weeks of licensure. Non-nursing masters lean more on the Career Center for placement.
Madonna University vs Peer Universities
Peers below are Michigan and Great Lakes region institutions Indian applicants commonly weigh against Madonna on cost and program focus.
| University | Ranking Reference | Annual UG Tuition ($ / ₹ lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madonna University | US News Regional Midwest 2026: #74 | $29,580 / ₹28.06 lakh | Catholic Franciscan roots; strong nursing focus |
| University of Detroit Mercy | US News Regional Midwest ranked | Verify at official fee schedule | Catholic Jesuit; engineering plus nursing strength |
| Oakland University | US News National Universities ranked | Verify at official fee schedule | Public research; larger enrolment and STEM focus |
| Eastern Michigan University | US News Regional Midwest ranked | Verify at official fee schedule | Public regional; teacher education specialisation |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
Madonna stands out on a narrow but clear axis. It is the most affordable Catholic-mission university in Metro Detroit with a nationally recognised nursing school. It trails public peers on research output and campus scale.
Madonna University suits value-focused Indian students in nursing, business or education. Total tuition for a 2-year MBA sits at ₹34.14 lakh, versus a nursing starting salary near ₹52 lakh in Michigan. The Catholic Franciscan setting and OPT-eligible pathway together anchor the value case for the right applicant.
It is not the right choice for applicants targeting top-100 world rankings, funded PhD tracks or STEM research careers. Those students should instead consider a public research peer like Michigan State University.
Madonna University FAQs
Ques. Which online masters at Madonna University cost only $550 per credit?
Ans. Five online masters qualify for the discounted $550 per credit rate. They include MS Business Leadership and MS Criminal Justice Leadership and Intelligence. The set also covers MS Transformational Educational Leadership, MS Nonprofit Leadership and MA Higher Education Administration. For a typical 30-credit program, total tuition works out to $16,500 (₹15.65 lakh), before scholarships. Clinical nursing tracks and on-campus MBA are billed separately at higher rates.
Ques. Are GRE or GMAT scores required for Madonna University graduate admission?
Ans. Madonna University does not require GRE or GMAT for its MBA, MS or MSN programs. The university operates a test-optional policy across most graduate admissions. Applicants without US-recognised standardised scores are assessed on bachelor’s transcripts, English proficiency test scores, work experience and letters of recommendation. Confirm with the graduate admissions office if applying to a research-intensive DNP track.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Madonna University?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term. Up to 40 hours per week is allowed during official breaks, per US federal rules. On-campus roles at Madonna include library assistants, tutoring, lab support and food services. Off-campus work through CPT or OPT is permitted only after completing one full academic year of study.
Ques. Does Madonna University waive the IELTS or TOEFL requirement for Indian applicants?
Ans. Indian applicants may qualify for an English test waiver in specific cases. Eligibility applies when a bachelor’s or Class 12 degree was taught fully in English at a recognised institution. Supporting documents include a medium-of-instruction certificate from the previous institution. Applicants below the published test thresholds can still receive conditional admission with mandatory English for Academic Purposes coursework at Madonna.
Ques. What documents are needed for I-20 issuance and F-1 visa application at Madonna?
Ans. After admission, Madonna University requires a completed I-20 financial statement. Also required is a bank statement covering one full year of attendance, plus a copy of the passport photo page. Any current US visa or resident card must also be attached if applicable. The SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 and DS-160 visa application follow I-20 receipt. Book the US consulate interview at least 4 to 6 weeks before intake start.
Ques. How does Madonna University evaluate Indian Class 12 marks and CGPA scores?
Ans. Madonna University requires WES or an equivalent NACES-member credential evaluation of Indian transcripts before admission decisions. The evaluation converts CBSE, ICSE and state board Class 12 marks into US GPA equivalents on a 4.0 scale. Bachelor’s CGPA on a 10-point scale is similarly converted. Applicants are advised to begin WES processing 6 to 8 weeks before the overseas application deadline.
Ques. Is the Madonna University MBA STEM-designated for the 36-month OPT extension?
Ans. The core Madonna MBA is a general management degree and is not STEM-designated. Graduates receive the standard 12-month post-completion OPT. STEM-designated programs at Madonna, when available, extend total OPT to 36 months for eligible F-1 graduates. Applicants seeking longer post-study work should confirm the CIP code of their intended program with graduate admissions before applying.
Ques. What is the application fee at Madonna University and can it be waived?
Ans. The Madonna University international application fee is $40, payable online at the time of submission. Fee waivers are considered for applicants with documented financial hardship or those referred through partner high schools and community colleges. Waiver requests must be submitted to the international admissions office before the application is finalised, with supporting documents attached.
Madonna University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B.S Biology 4 years | USD 29,580 /Yr | - | TOEFL:- 70, IELTS:- 6.0 | |
| USD 29,580 /Yr | 55 | TOEFL:- 70, IELTS:- 6.0 | ||
M.B.A 2 years | USD 18,000 /Yr | - | TOEFL: 70 (iBT); IELTS: 6 | |
| USD 29,580 /Yr | 55 | TOEFL:- 70, IELTS:- 6.0 | ||
B.A English-Journalism 4 years | USD 29,580 /Yr | 55 | TOEFL:- 70, IELTS:- 6.0 | |
B.S Biomedical Sciences 4 years | USD 25,596 /Yr | - | - | |
B.A Language Arts 4 years | USD 25,596 /Yr | - | - | |
| USD 25,596 /Yr | - | - | ||
B.S Paralegal Studies 4 years | USD 29,580 /Yr | 55 | TOEFL:- 70, IELTS:- 6.0 | |
B.S Accounting 4 years | USD 25,596 /Yr | - | - |
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Madonna University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Madonna University Admissions
Application Portal: https://jrm.targetx.com/orgs/00Dj0000001mqCvEAI/login
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Madonna University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6228 | 1677 | 4551 | 8 |
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