Marquette University vs Gonzaga University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Marquette University and Gonzaga University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Marquette University vs Gonzaga University at a glance
Marquette University admits 81.3% of applicants and Gonzaga University 81.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $30,561 at Marquette University and $32,750 at Gonzaga University. Six-year graduation rates are 79.4% and 85.5%, 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 Gonzaga University 81.7%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $30,561 a year at Marquette University and $32,750 at Gonzaga University; Marquette University costs $2,189 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $20,708 at Marquette University and $24,657 at Gonzaga University.
- 79.4% of students graduate within six years at Marquette University, against 85.5% at Gonzaga University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $83,810 for Marquette University and $89,110 for Gonzaga University; Gonzaga University is $5,300 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at Marquette University and $21,500 at Gonzaga University.
- Marquette University enrolls 7,660 students (large city) and Gonzaga University 5,198 (midsize city).
Side by side
Marquette University and Gonzaga 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 | Gonzaga University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 81.3% | 81.7% |
| Applicants | 16,270 | 8,853 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1200–1360 | 1190–1380 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 27–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $30,561 | $32,750 |
| Tuition, in state | $53,270 | $57,250 |
| Tuition, out of state | $53,270 | $57,250 |
| Cost of attendance | $69,833 | $75,461 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $20,708 | $24,657 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $20,217 | $21,926 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $23,377 | $23,254 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $30,314 | $28,852 |
| Over $110,000 | $37,187 | $41,049 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 79.4% | 85.5% |
| First-year retention | 91% | 92.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $83,810 | $89,110 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,660 | 5,198 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Milwaukee, WI | Spokane, WA |
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 Gonzaga University 46; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Marquette University vs Gonzaga University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Marquette University or Gonzaga University?
Marquette University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Marquette University admits 81.3% of applicants and Gonzaga University admits 81.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Marquette University 1200–1360; Gonzaga University 1190–1380.
Which is cheaper, Marquette University or Gonzaga University?
Marquette University has the lower average net price after grants: $30,561 a year at Marquette University against $32,750 at Gonzaga University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $20,708 and $24,657. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Marquette University or Gonzaga University graduates earn more?
Gonzaga University graduates earn more at the median: $83,810 ten years after entry for Marquette University and $89,110 for Gonzaga University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Marquette University or Gonzaga University?
Gonzaga University does: 79.4% of Marquette University students graduate within six years, against 85.5% at Gonzaga University.
How big are Marquette University and Gonzaga University?
Marquette University has 7,660 students in Milwaukee, WI and Gonzaga University has 5,198 students in Spokane, WA.