Hope College vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hope College in Holland, MI with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Hope College based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 3,395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Hope College vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hope 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 Hope College than Marquette University ($30,700 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hope College are 21.5% lower than at Marquette University ($12,950 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 21.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hope College (about $9,200 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.9% higher at Marquette University than at Hope College (about $9,200 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Hope College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 32.3% larger than aid received by Hope College students ($32,996 vs. $24,945).

Hope College vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 60 points higher than at Hope College (1220).
• Incoming Hope College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Marquette University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hope College 1100/1340; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hope College 25/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hope College - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Hope College (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at Hope College vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Hope College vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hope 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 Hope College's (79%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $20,000 more per year than Hope College graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University and Hope College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marquette University and Hope College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Hope College 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.