Macalester College vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than Macalester College based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 2,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Macalester College vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester 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 Marquette University than Macalester College ($34,322 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Macalester College are 4.4% lower than at Marquette University ($15,760 vs. $16,490).
• Macalester College is 33.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $16,934 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.1% higher at Macalester College than at Marquette University (about $16,934 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Macalester College (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 29.6% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($42,766 vs. $32,996).

Macalester College vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 150 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Marquette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Macalester College vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester 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).

• Macalester College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Marquette University's (81%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Macalester College graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $4,330 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($22,670 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.