UIC vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Illinois Chicago is larger than Marquette University based on total student enrollment (33,906 students vs. 11,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of Illinois Chicago is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Illinois Chicago 17:1; Marquette University 14:1.

UIC vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UIC 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 University of Illinois Chicago than Marquette University ($10,852 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 0.1% lower than at University of Illinois Chicago ($16,490 vs. $16,500).
• Marquette University is 256.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UIC (about $36,832 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $14,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.2% higher at Marquette University than at University of Illinois Chicago (about $21,286 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $29,884.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at University of Illinois Chicago (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 96.9% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Chicago students ($32,996 vs. $16,755).

UIC vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UIC 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 UIC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 40 points higher than at UIC (1240).
• Incoming UIC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Marquette University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Chicago 1130/1350; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Chicago 25/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UIC - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UIC Feb 1, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marquette University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at UIC (3.41).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than UIC (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at UIC vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

UIC vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UIC 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 University of Illinois Chicago's (54%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than UIC graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Chicago graduates have a $8,250 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($18,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UIC graduates have an estimated $86 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($193 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UIC students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 68%)

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.