Marquette vs Villanova University

Marquette University and Villanova University, both esteemed private institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Marquette, located in the vibrant city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, boasts a higher acceptance rate (73%) compared to Villanova's selective admissions (32%). While Villanova's student body is slightly larger, both universities share a diverse community with international representation. In terms of academics, Marquette excels in fields like biomedical sciences and engineering, while Villanova is renowned for its business and nursing programs. With comparable graduation rates, both universities ensure their students are well-prepared for successful careers. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' unique strengths and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Marquette University	Villanova University
Overview
Location	Milwaukee, Wisconsin	Villanova, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	89.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	86.3%	25.2%
Application fees	$50	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1180 - 1360	1350 - 1490
ACT range	25 - 30	31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	28.0%
Students submitting ACT score	37.0%	17.0%
Total number of applicants	16,270	24,410
Total number of admissions given out	14,034	6,162
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,657	1,772
Yield rate	11.8%	28.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$65,562	$77,806
Average net price	$33,566	$33,123
Tuition	$44,970	$58,290
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,280 Meal plan: $4,860	Room/dormitory: $8,236 Meal plan: $7,150
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $28,052	52.0% Average amount $43,106
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,497	34.0% Average amount $5,267
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $19,168	7.0% Average amount $29,933

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	7,660 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	7,032 Men 45.6% Women 54.4%
Graduate students	3,660 Men 39.1% Women 60.9%	3,838 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	80.7%
International students	3.3%	3.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,295	5,400
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Engineering Legal Profession	Business Engineering Health Professions Legal Profession Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	81.4%	91.3%
Dropout rate	18.3%	1.5%
Transferred out	N/A	7.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $114,668 Year 2: $165,766 Year 3: $171,511 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $124,137 Year 2: $100,740 Year 3: $121,765 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,590 Year 2: $109,095 Year 3: $118,365 Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,687 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $106,587 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,782 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $91,484 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,757 Year 2: $73,579 Year 3: $88,419 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,583 Year 2: $80,218 Year 3: $88,254 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,297 Year 2: $71,947 Year 3: $86,990 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,492 Year 2: $72,214 Year 3: $85,108 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,115 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $84,596

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Marquette University and Villanova University?

Marquette University, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a Jesuit university known for its strong emphasis on service learning and urban engagement. Villanova University, situated in Villanova, Pennsylvania, is also a Catholic university (Augustinian) with a strong reputation for its business, engineering, and nursing programs. Key differences include location (urban vs. suburban), specific religious order affiliation (Jesuit vs. Augustinian), and slightly different academic strengths.
How do the academic reputations of Marquette and Villanova compare?

Both Marquette and Villanova are highly regarded universities. Villanova often ranks slightly higher overall, particularly in business and engineering. Marquette is well-known for its programs in communication, law, and dentistry. Both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and maintain strong academic standards.
Which university is larger, Marquette or Villanova?

Marquette University has a larger student body than Villanova University. Marquette typically enrolls a greater number of undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to a more diverse campus population in terms of academic disciplines and backgrounds.
How does the campus environment differ between Marquette and Villanova?

Marquette's urban setting in Milwaukee provides students with direct access to city life, internships, and cultural experiences. Villanova's suburban campus offers a more traditional college atmosphere, with a focus on campus community and a quieter, more contained environment. Consider which type of setting best suits your personal preferences and learning style.
What are the religious influences like at each university?

Both Marquette and Villanova are rooted in Catholic traditions. Marquette's Jesuit identity emphasizes social justice, critical thinking, and service to others. Villanova's Augustinian values focus on community, truth, and love. While both universities welcome students of all faiths, their respective religious orders shape the campus culture and values in distinct ways.
How do the costs of attending Marquette and Villanova compare?

The cost of attendance at Marquette and Villanova is comparable, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, actual costs can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities. It's essential to compare the net cost (cost after aid) at each institution to determine which is more affordable for you.
What are the strengths of Marquette's academic programs?

Marquette University excels in several academic areas, including communication, journalism, law, dentistry, and business. Its Diederich College of Communication is nationally recognized, and its law and dental schools have strong reputations. The university also offers robust programs in engineering, nursing, and education.
What are the strengths of Villanova's academic programs?

Villanova University is particularly strong in business, engineering, and nursing. The Villanova School of Business is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the nation. The College of Engineering is also highly regarded, and the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing offers excellent clinical experiences. Villanova also has strong programs in liberal arts and sciences.
What kind of student is best suited for Marquette University?

Marquette University is a good fit for students who are passionate about social justice, community engagement, and making a difference in the world. Students who thrive in an urban environment and appreciate a diverse campus community will also find Marquette appealing. Those seeking strong programs in communication, law, or dentistry should strongly consider Marquette.
What kind of student is best suited for Villanova University?

Villanova University is well-suited for students who value a strong sense of community, a traditional college experience, and a focus on academic excellence. Students interested in business, engineering, or nursing will find excellent programs at Villanova. Those who prefer a suburban campus setting and a close-knit community will also feel at home at Villanova.
What are the athletic programs like at Marquette and Villanova?

Both Marquette and Villanova are Division I schools and members of the Big East Conference, known for their competitive basketball programs. Marquette's Golden Eagles and Villanova's Wildcats have passionate fan bases and a history of success. Both universities offer a variety of other varsity sports, as well as intramural and club sports opportunities.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both Marquette and Villanova offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Marquette's location in Milwaukee provides access to internships and job opportunities in a variety of industries. Villanova's proximity to Philadelphia and New York City also offers students access to a wide range of career opportunities. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can assist students in their job search.

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