IWU vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 Illinois Wesleyan University than Marquette University ($28,644 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 18.9% lower than at Marquette University ($13,370 vs. $16,490).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 12.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $6,534 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.8% higher at IWU than at Marquette University (about $6,534 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 27.8% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($42,181 vs. $32,996).

IWU vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 50 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

IWU vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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).

• Illinois Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Marquette University's (81%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than IWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $60,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University and IWU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marquette University and IWU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More IWU 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.