Luther- Norse vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Luther College in Decorah, IA with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse 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 Luther College than Marquette University ($24,511 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 30.1% lower than at Marquette University ($11,530 vs. $16,490).
• Luther College is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $950 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at Luther- Norse than at Marquette University (about $950 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 24% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($40,917 vs. $32,996).

Luther- Norse vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 40 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Luther- Norse students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Luther- Norse vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse 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 Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $17,500 more per year than Luther- Norse graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University and Luther- Norse graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marquette University and Luther- Norse graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse 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.