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Martin University

#2174 in US ranking Indianapolis, IN
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Tuition & fees
$12,830
Avg. aid
$7,034
Receiving aid
86%

What is the history of Martin University?

Martin University was founded in Indianapolis in 1977 to expand access to higher education for adults and other students who had been underserved by traditional colleges. Its founders were the Rev. Boniface Hardin, a Benedictine monk, and Sister Jane Schilling.

The university's name honors both Martin Luther King Jr. and St. Martin de Porres. That choice reflects the founders' emphasis on racial inclusion and educational opportunity. Martin developed from a small community-focused institution into a university offering undergraduate and graduate study. Its history helps explain its continuing attention to adult learners and students seeking a less conventional route into college.

What are the faculties and departments at Martin University?

Martin University offers a relatively small selection of undergraduate and graduate programs rather than the range of colleges and departments found at a large research university. Program areas represented in federal academic classifications include business administration, psychology, criminal justice, education, liberal arts, religious studies, health-related fields, and computer software applications.

Prospective students should check the current academic catalog for the exact degree title, credential level, course sequence, and delivery format of a program. A subject appearing in historical program reporting does not necessarily mean that a particular degree or concentration is accepting students in the intended term. For fields leading to teacher licensure or another regulated occupation, the relevant question is whether the specific program meets current Indiana licensing requirements.

What is the location of Martin University?

Martin University is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in an urban setting. Its location makes commuting a practical consideration: students should plan for travel time, parking or transit, and the frequency with which their courses require in-person attendance.

Indianapolis offers access to employers, public agencies, and community organizations that may be relevant to coursework or career exploration, though proximity alone does not establish an internship arrangement. Indianapolis International Airport serves the region; it is more relevant to occasional travel than to everyday campus transportation.

What is the mission and vision of Martin University?

Martin University's stated educational purpose centers on access, inclusion, and learning opportunities for people who have not always been well served by conventional higher education. Its founding story is particularly associated with adult education and racial equity.

The founders' religious backgrounds are part of the university's history, but they should not be mistaken for a student religious requirement. Applicants evaluating the institution's mission in practice may want to examine current course schedules, advising arrangements, and support for returning students rather than rely on a mission statement alone.

Martin University Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Martin University

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

City: Large

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

Under 1,000

School type

Comprehensive higher education institution

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1977

Martin University Programs and Degrees

iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree

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.