Holy Cross College vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Holy Cross College is located in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Holy Cross College 13:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Holy Cross College vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross College than Marquette University ($22,421 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 23% lower than at Marquette University ($12,700 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 39.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross College (about $14,570 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.8% higher at Marquette University than at Holy Cross College (about $14,570 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Holy Cross College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 16.1% larger than aid received by Holy Cross College students ($32,996 vs. $28,416).

Holy Cross College vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 140 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Holy Cross College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 980/1300; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 23/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross College - Test-free; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marquette University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Holy Cross College (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Holy Cross College vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Holy Cross College vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $23,700 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have a $3,875 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($23,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($239 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross College students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 64%)

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.