Grinnell vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, 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 Grinnell based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Grinnell vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell 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 Grinnell ($34,322 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 2.1% lower than at Grinnell College ($16,490 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 33.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $16,936 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.1% higher at Grinnell than at Marquette University (about $16,936 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Grinnell College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 48.7% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($49,077 vs. $32,996).

Grinnell vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Grinnell 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 Grinnell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 200 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Grinnell students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Marquette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Grinnell vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell 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).

• Grinnell College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Marquette University's (81%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $13,830 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($13,170 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $143 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($136 vs. $279).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.