UNI vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

Marquette University is larger than UNI based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 9,278 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of Northern 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 Northern Iowa 18:1; Marquette University 14:1.

UNI vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI 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 Northern Iowa than Marquette University ($16,437 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 39.4% lower than at Marquette University ($9,986 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 415% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $41,234 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.7% higher at Marquette University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $29,458 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 462.6% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($32,996 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI 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 UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 130 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Marquette University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

UNI vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI 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 Northern Iowa's (67%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $19,800 more per year than UNI graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $6,375 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($20,625 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNI students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 72%)

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.