Carleton College vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Carleton College vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College 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 Carleton College than Marquette University ($28,047 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 6.2% lower than at Carleton College ($16,490 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 34.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $17,722 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.6% higher at Carleton College than at Marquette University (about $17,722 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Carleton College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 72.3% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($56,846 vs. $32,996).

Carleton College vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carleton College 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 Carleton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 230 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at Marquette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Carleton College vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College 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).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Marquette University's (81%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Carleton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $65,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.