Michigan State vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than Marquette University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 11,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Michigan State vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State 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 Michigan State University than Marquette University ($23,657 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 23.8% lower than at Marquette University ($12,564 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 210.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $34,712 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.7% higher at Marquette University than at Michigan State University (about $7,328 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $43,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 238.4% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($32,996 vs. $9,750).

Michigan State vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan State 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 Michigan State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 10 points higher than at Michigan State (1270).
• Incoming Michigan State 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: Michigan State University 1180/1360; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Marquette University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Michigan State vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State 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 Michigan State University's (77%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Michigan State graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $60,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Michigan State University graduates have a $1,516 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($25,484 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Michigan State graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 68%)

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.