Illinois vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in Champaign, IL with Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is larger than Marquette University based on total student enrollment (59,238 students vs. 11,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is located in Champaign, IL (Small City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 20:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Illinois vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois 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 Illinois Urbana Champaign than Marquette University ($13,973 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign are 11.9% lower than at Marquette University ($14,522 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 219.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Illinois (about $35,166 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $16,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.7% higher at Marquette University than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (about $16,046 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $35,124.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (100% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 71% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Urbana Champaign students ($32,996 vs. $19,299).

Illinois vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Illinois 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 Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (1420) is 140 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Illinois students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Marquette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 1310/1520; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 30/34; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Illinois Jan 5, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Illinois students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Illinois (42.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at Illinois vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Illinois vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois 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).

• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Marquette University's (81%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 vs. $66,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Illinois graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Illinois students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 78%)

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.