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Madonna University

#725 in US ranking Livonia, MI
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$41,561
Tuition & fees
$29,580
Avg. aid
$16,388
Receiving aid
98%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
63%
SAT range
880–1080
Avg. ACT
23

Outcomes

Graduation rate
60%
Median salary
$67,175
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of Madonna University?

Madonna University is a private Catholic university in Livonia, Michigan, founded by the Felician Sisters in 1937 as Madonna College. Its beginnings as a women's college and its Franciscan roots remain important to the institution's identity, although it now enrolls students of all genders and offers programs across many fields.

The institution later became Madonna University as its academic offerings expanded beyond the scope of a college. Today, its undergraduate and graduate programs include nursing, education, business, the arts and sciences, and human services. That history helps explain the university's continuing emphasis on service-oriented fields alongside a broader liberal arts curriculum.

What are the faculties and departments at Madonna University?

Madonna University offers undergraduate and graduate study across the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, health, and related professional fields. Prospective students can explore programs such as biology, criminal justice, business administration, teacher education, social work, and nursing.

The distinction between a major and a professional pathway matters here. A student interested in nursing, teaching, or another licensed occupation should check the specific degree's admission requirements, clinical or field-placement rules, and eligibility for the intended license. Those requirements can be more restrictive than admission to the university itself. Students comparing majors should also check whether their preferred program is offered on campus, online, or in another format, and whether it admits students at their planned starting term.

What is the location of Madonna University?

Madonna University's main campus is in Livonia, a suburb west of Detroit. Its location gives students access to a metropolitan area while placing them in a setting where commuting is a significant part of campus life.

About 69% of students commute, according to the reported housing figures. First-year students may register or park a car on campus, but drivers should still account for parking arrangements and travel time when planning their schedules. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is the nearest major airport and may be useful for students traveling from outside the region. Applicants considering a particular program should confirm where its classes, labs, and placements take place rather than assuming every activity meets on the main campus.

What is the mission and vision of Madonna University?

Madonna University describes its educational mission in Catholic and Franciscan terms, connecting academic study with ethical development, service, and respect for others. Its Felician Sisters heritage is part of that stated purpose, not a requirement that every student share the institution's religious identity.

For applicants, the practical question is how that mission appears in their intended program and daily experience. Service activities, discussions of professional ethics, and opportunities for spiritual involvement may be relevant; academic requirements and participation expectations should be checked in the current catalog and student policies. A mission statement expresses institutional aims rather than proving any particular student outcome.

Madonna University Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Madonna University

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

City: Small

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

Religious affiliation

Catholic (Roman Catholic Church)

School type

University

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1937

Madonna University Accreditation

Madonna University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.

Madonna University Programs and Degrees

iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconPost-master's certificate
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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