Marquette University vs. Wisconsin

Comparable Facts

Compare Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI with University of Wisconsin Madison in Madison, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Madison is larger than Marquette University based on total student enrollment (51,044 students vs. 11,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marquette University is located in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting); University of Wisconsin Madison is in Madison, WI (Midsize City setting).
• Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Madison is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marquette University 14:1; University of Wisconsin Madison 18:1.

Marquette University vs. Wisconsin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marquette University or Wisconsin? 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 University of Wisconsin Madison than Marquette University ($14,235 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin Madison are 14.3% lower than at Marquette University ($14,124 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 341% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wisconsin (about $39,567 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $11,603.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.5% higher at Marquette University than at University of Wisconsin Madison (about $9,067 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $42,103.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at University of Wisconsin Madison (100% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 86% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Madison students ($32,996 vs. $17,741).

Marquette University vs. Wisconsin Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Marquette University or Wisconsin? 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 Wisconsin and Marquette University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Wisconsin Madison (1450) is 170 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Wisconsin students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Marquette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marquette University 1200/1360; University of Wisconsin Madison 1380/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marquette University 26/31; University of Wisconsin Madison 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marquette University - Test optional; Wisconsin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026; Wisconsin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wisconsin students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Wisconsin (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at Marquette University vs. 28.6% at Wisconsin.

Marquette University vs. Wisconsin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marquette University and Wisconsin? 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).

• University of Wisconsin Madison's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Marquette University's (81%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Wisconsin graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wisconsin Madison graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($22,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wisconsin graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Wisconsin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 81%)

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.