Iowa vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Iowa is larger than Marquette University based on total student enrollment (30,779 students vs. 11,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA (Small City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Iowa 16:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Iowa vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Iowa 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 Iowa than Marquette University ($21,765 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Iowa are 21.6% lower than at Marquette University ($12,920 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 353.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iowa (about $39,887 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $11,283.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.3% higher at Marquette University than at University of Iowa (about $17,799 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $33,371.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at University of Iowa (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 234.5% larger than aid received by University of Iowa students ($32,996 vs. $9,865).

Iowa vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Iowa 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 Iowa.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 50 points higher than at Iowa (1230).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Iowa).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 1130/1330; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 21/28; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Iowa - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Iowa students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Iowa has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Marquette University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at Iowa vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Iowa vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Iowa 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 Iowa's (71%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Iowa graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $59,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Iowa graduates have a $5,384 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($21,616 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Iowa graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($223 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iowa students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 70%)

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.