Marquette University vs DePaul University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Marquette University and DePaul University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Marquette University vs DePaul University at a glance
Marquette University admits 81.3% of applicants and DePaul University 75.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $30,561 at Marquette University and $27,308 at DePaul University. Six-year graduation rates are 79.4% and 67.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Marquette University admits 81.3% of applicants and DePaul University 75.9%, so DePaul University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $30,561 a year at Marquette University and $27,308 at DePaul University; DePaul University costs $3,253 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $20,708 at Marquette University and $27,251 at DePaul University.
- 79.4% of students graduate within six years at Marquette University, against 67.2% at DePaul University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $83,810 for Marquette University and $75,602 for DePaul University; Marquette University is $8,208 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at Marquette University and $21,787 at DePaul University.
- Marquette University enrolls 7,660 students (large city) and DePaul University 14,090 (large city).
Side by side
Marquette University and DePaul University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Marquette University | DePaul University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 81.3% | 75.9% |
| Applicants | 16,270 | 32,075 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1200–1360 | 1140–1330 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 25–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $30,561 | $27,308 |
| Tuition, in state | $53,270 | $47,676 |
| Tuition, out of state | $53,270 | $47,676 |
| Cost of attendance | $69,833 | $62,681 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $20,708 | $27,251 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $20,217 | $21,638 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $23,377 | $24,864 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $30,314 | $26,128 |
| Over $110,000 | $37,187 | $37,424 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 79.4% | 67.2% |
| First-year retention | 91% | 85.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $83,810 | $75,602 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $21,787 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $248 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,660 | 14,090 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Milwaukee, WI | Chicago, IL |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Marquette University reports 70 bachelor's programs and DePaul University 72; 43 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Marquette University vs DePaul University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Marquette University or DePaul University?
DePaul University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Marquette University admits 81.3% of applicants and DePaul University admits 75.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Marquette University 1200–1360; DePaul University 1140–1330.
Which is cheaper, Marquette University or DePaul University?
DePaul University has the lower average net price after grants: $30,561 a year at Marquette University against $27,308 at DePaul University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $20,708 and $27,251. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Marquette University or DePaul University graduates earn more?
Marquette University graduates earn more at the median: $83,810 ten years after entry for Marquette University and $75,602 for DePaul University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $21,787.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Marquette University or DePaul University?
Marquette University does: 79.4% of Marquette University students graduate within six years, against 67.2% at DePaul University.
How big are Marquette University and DePaul University?
Marquette University has 7,660 students in Milwaukee, WI and DePaul University has 14,090 students in Chicago, IL.