Carroll University vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

Marquette University is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Carroll University vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carroll 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 Carroll University than Marquette University ($27,031 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carroll University are 13.4% lower than at Marquette University ($14,280 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 31.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carroll University (about $12,280 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.6% higher at Marquette University than at Carroll University (about $12,280 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Carroll University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 28.7% larger than aid received by Carroll University students ($32,996 vs. $25,634).

Carroll University vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 120 points higher than at Carroll University (1160).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Carroll University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carroll University 1040/1270; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carroll University 21/27; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carroll University - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marquette University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Carroll University (66.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.5% at Carroll University vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Carroll University vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carroll 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 Carroll University's (57%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $23,300 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University and Carroll University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marquette University and Carroll University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carroll University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 74%)

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.