Mercer vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

Marquette University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer 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 Mercer University than Marquette University ($24,364 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 8.1% lower than at Marquette University ($15,156 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 20.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $8,858 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Marquette University than at Mercer University (about $8,858 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($33,808 vs. $32,996).

Mercer vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer 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 Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 20 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer 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: Mercer University 1160/1350; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Mercer vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer 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 Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer 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 Mercer students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 45%)

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.