Drake vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, 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 Drake based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Drake vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake 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 Drake University than Marquette University ($29,565 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 24.5% lower than at Marquette University ($12,452 vs. $16,490).
• Drake University is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $960 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at Drake than at Marquette University (about $960 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 7.6% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($35,498 vs. $32,996).

Drake vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake 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 Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 50 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Drake vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake 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 Drake University's (75%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Marquette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $67,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.