Loyola vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, IL with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Loyola University Chicago is larger than Marquette University based on total student enrollment (17,384 students vs. 11,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loyola University Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Loyola University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loyola University Chicago 13:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Loyola vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loyola 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 Marquette University than Loyola ($34,322 vs. $39,147).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 3.1% lower than at Loyola University Chicago ($16,490 vs. $17,010).
• Loyola University Chicago is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $2,540 more per year; $53,710.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at Loyola than at Marquette University (about $2,540 more per year; $53,710.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Loyola University Chicago (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 14.5% larger than aid received by Loyola University Chicago students ($32,996 vs. $28,816).

Loyola vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loyola 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 Loyola.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 10 points higher than at Loyola (1270).
• Incoming Loyola students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Marquette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Chicago 1170/1360; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Chicago 27/32; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loyola - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Loyola students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Loyola has a higher acceptance rate (81.6%) than Marquette University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at Loyola vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Loyola vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loyola 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 Loyola University Chicago's (70%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Loyola graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $59,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Loyola University Chicago graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Loyola graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Loyola students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 76%)

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.