ISU vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than Marquette University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 11,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Marquette University 14:1.

ISU vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Marquette University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Iowa State University than Marquette University ($17,779 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 34.5% lower than at Marquette University ($10,808 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 374.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $40,383 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.2% higher at Marquette University than at Iowa State University (about $22,289 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 205.8% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($32,996 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Marquette University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Marquette University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 40 points higher than at ISU (1240).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Marquette University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Marquette University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

ISU vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Marquette University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Marquette University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Iowa State University's (68%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $53,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $3,132 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($23,868 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.