Calvin University vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Calvin University vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University 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 Calvin University than Marquette University ($25,231 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 26.5% lower than at Marquette University ($12,120 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 30% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $11,820 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at Marquette University than at Calvin University (about $11,820 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 13.3% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($32,996 vs. $29,123).

Calvin University vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Calvin University 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 Calvin University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 70 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• 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 (81.3%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Calvin University vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University 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 Calvin University's (77%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $20,500 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment 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/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.