Marquette vs DePaul

Marquette University and DePaul University, both esteemed private institutions in the heart of vibrant urban centers, offer distinct educational experiences. Marquette, rooted in Jesuit values, fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on service and leadership. DePaul, guided by Vincentian values, emphasizes social justice and community engagement. While Marquette boasts a lower acceptance rate and higher graduation rate, DePaul offers a more diverse student body and a wider range of undergraduate programs. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the specifics of each university's acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes, and discover which institution best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
DePaul University logo

DePaul University

Marquette University logo

Marquette University

Overview

Location Chicago, Illinois Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Quarter Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 84.0% 89.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 69.4% 86.3%
Application fees $40 $50
SAT range N/A 1180 - 1360
ACT range N/A 25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 13.0%
Students submitting ACT score 37.0%
Total number of applicants 32,075 16,270
Total number of admissions given out 22,274 14,034
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,838 1,657
Yield rate 12.7% 11.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $60,771 $65,562
Average net price $31,872 $33,566
Tuition $41,361 $44,970
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $10,647

Meal plan: $4,578
Room/dormitory: $9,280

Meal plan: $4,860
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $25,282
100.0%
Average amount $28,052
Students receiving federal student loan 47.0%
Average amount $5,009
45.0%
Average amount $5,497
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $18,848
9.0%
Average amount $19,168

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 14,294
Men 45.8% Women 54.2%
7,660
Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students 7,376
Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
3,660
Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 37.3% N/A
International students 5.6% 3.3%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,719 5,295
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Illinois California Michigan Ohio Wisconsin N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 69.6% 81.4%
Dropout rate 10.5% 18.3%
Transferred out 18.0% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,909
  • Year 2: $100,096
  • Year 3: $109,948
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,821
  • Year 2: $93,076
  • Year 3: $106,341
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $82,374
  • Year 2: $99,547
  • Year 3: $105,164
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,120
  • Year 2: $86,867
  • Year 3: $101,886
Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,090
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $98,092
Computer Programming (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,558
  • Year 2: $85,206
  • Year 3: $96,827
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,205
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $96,034
Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,116
  • Year 2: $77,213
  • Year 3: $92,462
Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,831
  • Year 2: $86,550
  • Year 3: $92,108
Applied Mathematics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,007
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $85,312
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $163,702
  • Year 3: $192,167
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $133,430
  • Year 2: $130,858
  • Year 3: $154,075
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $105,083
  • Year 3: $117,488
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,808
  • Year 2: $105,529
  • Year 3: $110,957
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,780
  • Year 2: $98,506
  • Year 3: $104,475
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,371
  • Year 2: $88,803
  • Year 3: $96,511
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,252
  • Year 2: $87,309
  • Year 3: $95,662
Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $73,949
  • Year 3: $85,078
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,686
  • Year 2: $73,446
  • Year 3: $77,783
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,717
  • Year 2: $63,115
  • Year 3: $75,024

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Marquette University and DePaul University?

    Marquette University, a Jesuit institution, emphasizes a values-based education rooted in faith and service, fostering a close-knit community. DePaul University, the largest Catholic university in the U.S., embraces a Vincentian mission focused on social justice and providing access to education for a diverse student body. Marquette is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offering a more traditional campus environment, while DePaul has two campuses in Chicago, Illinois, providing a vibrant urban experience.

  • How do the academic programs at Marquette and DePaul compare?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Marquette is particularly known for its strong programs in engineering, nursing, communication, and business. DePaul excels in areas like business, law, computer science, film, and performing arts. Consider your specific academic interests when deciding which university aligns better with your goals.

  • What is the campus environment like at Marquette versus DePaul?

    Marquette offers a more traditional, self-contained campus environment in Milwaukee. Students often describe it as having a strong sense of community and school spirit. DePaul, with its Lincoln Park and Loop campuses in Chicago, provides a more integrated urban experience. Students have access to the city's cultural attractions, internships, and job opportunities. The choice depends on whether you prefer a classic campus feel or a dynamic city setting.

  • How do the costs of attending Marquette and DePaul compare?

    Tuition costs are generally comparable between Marquette and DePaul. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. Living in Milwaukee may be slightly less expensive than living in Chicago. Be sure to carefully review the financial aid packages offered by each university to determine the most affordable option for you.

  • What are the religious affiliations of Marquette and DePaul, and how does that impact campus life?

    Marquette is a Jesuit university, and DePaul is a Vincentian university. Both institutions are Catholic, but their approaches differ slightly. Marquette emphasizes Jesuit values like cura personalis (care for the whole person) and finding God in all things. DePaul focuses on Vincentian values such as social justice, service to the poor, and providing education to those who might not otherwise have access. While religious services and organizations are available, students of all faiths (or no faith) are welcome and respected at both universities.

  • What are the career opportunities and internship possibilities like at Marquette and DePaul?

    Both universities offer robust career services and internship programs. DePaul's location in Chicago provides students with access to a vast network of businesses and organizations, leading to numerous internship and job opportunities in various fields. Marquette's strong alumni network and partnerships with local businesses in Milwaukee also provide excellent career prospects. Consider the specific industries you're interested in and research which university has stronger connections in those areas.

  • What is the student life like outside of academics at Marquette and DePaul?

    Marquette boasts a vibrant student life with a strong emphasis on athletics, student organizations, and campus traditions. You'll find a close-knit community and plenty of opportunities to get involved. DePaul offers a more diverse range of extracurricular activities, reflecting the city's cultural landscape. Students can explore a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, both on and off campus. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a traditional campus experience or a more urban and diverse social scene.

  • How do the admission requirements and acceptance rates compare between Marquette and DePaul?

    Both Marquette and DePaul have selective admission processes. While specific acceptance rates may fluctuate from year to year, Marquette generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate, indicating a more competitive admissions process. Both universities consider factors like GPA, standardized test scores (if submitted), essays, and extracurricular activities. Research the specific requirements for your intended program of study and aim to present a strong application that highlights your academic achievements and personal qualities.

  • What are the strengths of Marquette University?

    Marquette's strengths include its strong sense of community, its commitment to Jesuit values, its well-regarded programs in engineering, nursing, communication, and business, and its dedicated faculty. It offers a traditional campus experience with a focus on holistic student development.

  • What are the strengths of DePaul University?

    DePaul's strengths lie in its location in Chicago, its commitment to Vincentian values and social justice, its diverse student body, its strong programs in business, law, computer science, film, and performing arts, and its extensive network of internship and career opportunities. It provides a dynamic urban learning environment.

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