JCU vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than JCU based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Carroll University is located in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; Marquette University 14:1.

JCU vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 John Carroll University than Marquette University ($30,030 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 11.9% lower than at Marquette University ($14,520 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCU (about $670 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Marquette University than at John Carroll University (about $670 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 8.5% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($35,785 vs. $32,996).

JCU vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 20 points higher than at JCU (1260).
• Incoming JCU 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: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman JCU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than JCU (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

JCU vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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 John Carroll University's (71%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than JCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, John Carroll University graduates have a $61 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($26,939 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JCU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 74%)

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.