University of Dayton vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dayton in Dayton, OH with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marquette University is larger than University of Dayton based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 10,506 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Marquette University 14:1.

University of Dayton vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton than Marquette University ($32,794 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 1.8% lower than at University of Dayton ($16,490 vs. $16,800).
• Marquette University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $2,030 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at Marquette University than at University of Dayton (about $2,030 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 1.3% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($33,418 vs. $32,996).

University of Dayton vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 10 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming University of Dayton 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: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

University of Dayton vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton's (74%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.