Marquette University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

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

Marquette University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marquette University is located in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marquette University 14:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

Marquette University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marquette University or WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College than Marquette University ($24,095 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wisconsin Lutheran College are 25.7% lower than at Marquette University ($12,250 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 41.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WLC (about $15,060 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.7% higher at Marquette University than at Wisconsin Lutheran College (about $15,060 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University as at Wisconsin Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 34% larger than aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students ($32,996 vs. $24,624).

Marquette University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Marquette University or WLC? 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 WLC and Marquette University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 180 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at WLC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marquette University 1200/1360; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marquette University 26/31; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marquette University - Test optional; WLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marquette University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at WLC (3.54).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than WLC (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at Marquette University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

Marquette University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marquette University and WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College's (63%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $24,500 more per year than WLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WLC graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WLC students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 77%)

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.