DU vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than Marquette University based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 11,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Denver 9:1; Marquette University 14:1.

DU vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU 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 DU ($34,322 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 7.1% lower than at University of Denver ($16,490 vs. $17,759).
• University of Denver is 20% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $10,228 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20% higher at DU than at Marquette University (about $10,228 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at University of Denver (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Denver students is 2.9% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($33,955 vs. $32,996).

DU vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DU 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 DU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 50 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming DU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Marquette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than DU (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

DU vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU 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 Denver's (78%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than DU graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $63,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Denver graduates have a $3,301 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($23,699 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DU graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($245 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 72%)

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.