North Central College vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Marquette University 14:1.

North Central College vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central 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 North Central College than Marquette University ($23,276 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central College are 10.9% lower than at Marquette University ($14,688 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central College (about $5,444 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.9% higher at Marquette University than at North Central College (about $5,444 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Central College as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 3.2% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($34,056 vs. $32,996).

North Central College vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central 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 North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 100 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at North Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than North Central College (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

North Central College vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central 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).

• Marquette University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than North Central College's (64%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $18,600 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College 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 North Central College students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 74%)

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.