Lawrence vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lawrence University in Appleton, WI with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lawrence University is located in Appleton, WI (Small City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lawrence University 7:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Lawrence vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lawrence 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 Lawrence University than Marquette University ($27,161 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 26.2% lower than at Marquette University ($12,165 vs. $16,490).
• Lawrence University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $5,812 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at Lawrence than at Marquette University (about $5,812 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 29.4% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($42,688 vs. $32,996).

Lawrence vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lawrence 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 Lawrence.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lawrence University (1310) is 30 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Lawrence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lawrence University 1200/1420; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lawrence University 24/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lawrence - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lawrence Jan 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marquette University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Lawrence (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Lawrence vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Lawrence vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lawrence 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 Lawrence University's (77%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $21,900 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University graduates have a $350 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Marquette University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($279 vs. $282).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 76%)

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.