PLNU vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Marquette University 14:1.

PLNU vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU 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 Marquette University than PLNU ($34,322 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 17.2% lower than at Marquette University ($13,650 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 10.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $4,920 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at Marquette University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $4,920 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 59.4% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($32,996 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU 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 PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 10 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming PLNU 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: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Marquette University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

PLNU vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU 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 Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $14,000 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Point Loma Nazarene University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU 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 PLNU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 79%)

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.