Messiah University vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

Marquette University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Messiah University 12:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Messiah University vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University 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 Messiah University than Marquette University ($29,408 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 20.6% lower than at Marquette University ($13,098 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 21.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $8,930 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.1% higher at Marquette University than at Messiah University (about $8,930 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 24.2% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($32,996 vs. $26,576).

Messiah University vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Messiah University 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 Messiah University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 50 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Messiah University 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: Messiah University 1110/1350; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Messiah University vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University 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 Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $18,900 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.