Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) vs Marquette

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and Marquette University (MU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning located in the vibrant city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While both universities offer a high-quality education, they differ in several key aspects. MSOE, a private university, boasts a smaller student body and a strong focus on engineering and technology, reflected in its low acceptance rate and high graduation rate. MU, a private Jesuit university, offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including liberal arts, business, and healthcare, and has a larger and more diverse student body. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about the differences between these two esteemed universities, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Marquette University logo

Marquette University

Milwaukee School of Engineering logo

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Overview

Location Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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 Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 89.0% 80.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 86.3% 66.7%
Application fees $50
SAT range 1180 - 1360 1160 - 1405
ACT range 25 - 30 24 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 13.0% 12.0%
Students submitting ACT score 37.0% 43.0%
Total number of applicants 16,270 4,522
Total number of admissions given out 14,034 3,017
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,657 650
Yield rate 11.8% 21.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $65,562 $62,378
Average net price $33,566 $26,665
Tuition $44,970 $43,284
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $9,280

Meal plan: $4,860
Room/dormitory: $7,781

Meal plan: $4,266
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $28,052
100.0%
Average amount $29,800
Students receiving federal student loan 45.0%
Average amount $5,497
59.0%
Average amount $5,017
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $19,168
12.0%
Average amount $15,702

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 7,660
Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
2,565
Men 72.8% Women 27.2%
Graduate students 3,660
Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
182
Men 55.5% Women 44.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 41.5%
International students 3.3% 3.7%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 5,295 1,405
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California Indiana

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Legal Profession
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 81.4% 66.0%
Dropout rate 18.3% 9.7%
Transferred out N/A 22.7%
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
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $94,408
  • Year 3: $99,791
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $74,200
  • Year 3: $86,540
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,395
  • Year 2: $72,857
  • Year 3: $77,566
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,272
  • Year 2: $68,316
  • Year 3: $76,518
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,317
  • Year 2: $66,653
  • Year 3: $74,698
Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,727
  • Year 2: $67,420
  • Year 3: $74,402
Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,181
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $73,527
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,468
  • Year 2: $66,062
  • Year 3: $71,669
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,024
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $70,355
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $59,350
  • Year 3: $68,048

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary academic focuses of Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and Marquette University?

    MSOE is primarily focused on engineering, technology, mathematics, and business. It offers a hands-on, project-based learning environment with a strong emphasis on practical application. Marquette University, on the other hand, offers a broader range of academic programs, including liberal arts, business, communication, law, and health sciences, in addition to engineering. Marquette emphasizes a Jesuit tradition of intellectual inquiry and social justice.

  • How do the campus environments differ between MSOE and Marquette?

    MSOE has a smaller, more technically focused campus located in downtown Milwaukee. The atmosphere is generally more intense and career-oriented. Marquette University has a larger, more traditional campus also located in Milwaukee, but with a more diverse student body and a wider range of extracurricular activities and social opportunities. Marquette's campus has a stronger emphasis on community and service.

  • What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each institution?

    MSOE generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, often around 13:1, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. Marquette University has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, and a student-to-faculty ratio that is typically around 14:1. However, upper-level courses at Marquette often have smaller class sizes.

  • How do the research opportunities compare between MSOE and Marquette?

    MSOE offers research opportunities primarily focused on engineering and technology, often involving industry partnerships and practical applications. Marquette University provides research opportunities across a wider range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and health sciences, in addition to engineering. Marquette's research is often more theoretical and grant-funded.

  • What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at each school?

    MSOE offers a variety of engineering-related clubs, sports, and organizations, catering to students with technical interests. Marquette University offers a much broader range of extracurricular activities, including student government, performing arts, service organizations, and a wide variety of clubs and sports, reflecting the diverse interests of its student body.

  • How does the career services support differ between MSOE and Marquette?

    MSOE's career services are highly focused on placing students in engineering and technology-related jobs, with strong relationships with local and national companies. Marquette University's career services support students across a wider range of career paths, offering resources for internships, job placement, and graduate school preparation in various fields.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at MSOE versus Marquette?

    Generally, MSOE and Marquette have similar tuition costs. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as room and board, fees, and personal expenses. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees, as well as financial aid opportunities.

  • What are the admission requirements for MSOE and Marquette?

    Both MSOE and Marquette require a strong academic record, including challenging coursework in math and science. MSOE places a greater emphasis on standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) and a demonstrated interest in engineering or technology. Marquette University considers a more holistic review of applicants, including academic performance, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation. Both schools value well-rounded applicants.

  • How does the location of each university impact student life?

    Both MSOE and Marquette are located in Milwaukee, offering students access to the city's cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and professional opportunities. MSOE's downtown location provides easy access to businesses and industry, while Marquette's location offers a more traditional campus feel with proximity to residential neighborhoods and community organizations. Both locations offer unique advantages for student life.

  • What is the overall culture and atmosphere like at each university?

    MSOE has a more focused and intense academic environment, geared towards students who are passionate about engineering and technology. The culture is often described as collaborative and hands-on. Marquette University has a more diverse and community-oriented atmosphere, emphasizing Jesuit values of service, social justice, and intellectual inquiry. The culture is often described as welcoming and supportive.

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