USF vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of San Francisco in San Francisco, 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 USF based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 8,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; Marquette University 14:1.

USF vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF 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 USF ($34,322 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 16.6% lower than at University of San Francisco ($16,490 vs. $19,764).
• University of San Francisco is 18.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $9,322 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at USF than at Marquette University (about $9,322 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marquette University than at University of San Francisco (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Francisco students is 5.2% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($34,723 vs. $32,996).

USF vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USF 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 USF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of San Francisco (1290) is 10 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Marquette University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at USF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman USF students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

USF vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF 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 San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Marquette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $67,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of San Francisco graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Marquette University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USF 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 USF students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 73%)

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.