Cornell College vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Cornell College based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 1,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cornell College vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell 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 Cornell College than Marquette University ($25,220 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell College are 28.1% lower than at Marquette University ($11,850 vs. $16,490).
• Cornell College is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $1,490 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Cornell College than at Marquette University (about $1,490 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornell College as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell College students is 24.5% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($41,092 vs. $32,996).

Cornell College vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 80 points higher than at Cornell College (1200).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Cornell College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell College 1120/1285; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell College 23/30; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell College - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marquette University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Cornell College (3.53).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Cornell College (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Cornell College vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Cornell College vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell 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).

• Marquette University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Cornell College's (70%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $22,100 more per year than Cornell College graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $45,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University and Cornell College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marquette University and Cornell College 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 Cornell College 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.