Butler vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Butler vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler 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 Butler ($34,322 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Butler University are 0.4% lower than at Marquette University ($16,430 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 7.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Butler (about $3,610 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $47,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Marquette University than at Butler University (about $3,610 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $47,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Butler University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($32,996 vs. $27,790).

Butler vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler 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 Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 20 points higher than at Butler (1260).
• Incoming Butler 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: Butler University 1160/1350; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Marquette University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Butler vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler 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 Butler University's (72%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Marquette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $67,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University and Butler graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marquette University and Butler graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Butler 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.