Fairfield University vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

Marquette University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Fairfield University vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield 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 Marquette University than Fairfield University ($34,322 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 16.9% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,490 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 14% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $7,180 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14% higher at Fairfield University than at Marquette University (about $7,180 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($32,996 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 50 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Marquette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Fairfield University vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Marquette University's (81%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Marquette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $67,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marquette University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.