Calvin University vs. Marquette University

Should I go to Calvin University or Marquette University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Calvin University or Marquette University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Calvin University vs. Marquette University comparison
Calvin University Marquette University College 3 College 4
Calvin University Marquette University
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Overview

Calvin University Marquette University
Location Grand Rapids, MI Milwaukee, WI
Setting Midsize City Large City
Enrollment 3,364 11,373
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #323 #219
Religious Affiliation Christian Reformed Church Roman Catholic - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website calvin.edu marquette.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Calvin University Marquette University
Tuition (In State) $38,370 $47,690
Tuition (Out of State) $38,370 $47,690
Room & Board $11,950 $15,740
Avg Net Price $26,374 $32,031
Avg Grant Aid $27,189 $31,683
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 100%

Admission

Calvin University Marquette University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 4,719 15,636
Admitted 3,365 13,672
Acceptance Rate 71.3% 87.4%
Enrolled % 21.5% 13.8%
Avg High School GPA 3.84 3.56
Typical High School Grades A- B+
Admissions Standards Difficult Very High
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 22/30 26/31
SAT Range 1070/1340 1190/1360
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Dec 1, 2025

Academics

Calvin University Marquette University
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 13:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (13%)
  • Education (12%)
  • Health Professions (8%)
  • Social Sciences (8%)
  • Biology (7%)
  • Business (27%)
  • Communication (10%)
  • Health Professions (9%)
  • Engineering (9%)
  • Social Sciences (8%)

Outcomes

Calvin University Marquette University
Graduation Rate 77% 81%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $47,000 $67,500
Making Student Loan Payments 81% 81%
Median Student Loan Debt $26,449 $27,000
Median Loan Payment $273 $279

Diversity

Calvin University Marquette University
% Men 2% 12%
% Women 7% 20%
Racial Diversity Low Low
HBCU No No
% White 74% 73%
% Black 3% 4%
% Hispanic 4% 10%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 4% 4%
% International 10% 4%
% Unknown Race 2% 0%

Students

Calvin University Marquette University
% In-State 51% 34%
% Out-of-State 33% 65%

Campus

Calvin University Marquette University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No Yes
Daycare Facility No Yes
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Marquette University is larger than than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (11,373 students vs. 3,364 students)

Calvin University vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Marquette University?

  • Marquette University is 24.3% more expensive to attend than Calvin University for in-state tuition ($47,690.00 vs. $38,370.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 24.3% higher at Marquette University than Calvin University ($47,690.00 vs. $38,370.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Calvin University than Marquette University ($26,374 vs. $32,031)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 31.7% lower than costs at Marquette University ($11,950 vs. $15,740)
  • The same percent of students receive financial grant aid at Calvin University as Marquette University (100% vs. 100%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 16.5% larger than aid received Calvin University ($31,683 vs. $27,189)

Calvin University vs. Marquette University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Calvin University or Marquette University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Marquette University or Calvin University .

  • The average SAT score at Marquette University (1219) is 17 points higher than at Calvin University (1202)
  • Incoming Calvin University students have at the same average ACT score (27) as students at Marquette University (27)
  • Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Marquette University (3.56)
  • Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than Calvin University (71.3%)

Calvin University vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Calvin University or Marquette University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Marquette University and Calvin University.

  • The graduation rate at Marquette University is higher than Calvin University (81% vs. 77%)
  • Graduates from Marquette University earn on average $20,500 more per year than Calvin University graduates after ten years. ($67,500 vs. $47,000)
  • Calvin University students graduate with a $551 lower median federal student loan debt than Marquette University graduates. ($26,449 vs. $27,000)
  • Calvin University graduates are paying $6 less per month on federal student loans than Marquette University graduates. ($273 vs. $279)
  • More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 81%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/