Baylor vs Marquette

Baylor University and Marquette University, both esteemed private institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Baylor, rooted in a Christian tradition, boasts a higher acceptance rate (48%) compared to Marquette's (79%). While Baylor's student body is predominantly White (63%), Marquette's is more diverse, with a significant Hispanic population (21%). Both universities excel in various disciplines, with Baylor excelling in fields like Business and Health Professions, and Marquette shining in Engineering and Nursing. With similar graduation rates hovering around 80%, both institutions ensure their students are well-prepared for their careers. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' unique offerings and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Baylor University	Marquette University
Overview
Location	Waco, Texas	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: 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	88.0%	89.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Baptist	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	56.7%	86.3%
Application fees	$50	$50
SAT range	1160 - 1350	1180 - 1360
ACT range	25 - 32	25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	13.0%
Students submitting ACT score	31.0%	37.0%
Total number of applicants	36,588	16,270
Total number of admissions given out	20,741	14,034
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,271	1,657
Yield rate	20.6%	11.8%
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	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$68,150	$65,562
Average net price	$46,039	$33,566
Tuition	$50,232	$44,970
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,200 Meal plan: $6,074	Room/dormitory: $9,280 Meal plan: $4,860
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	96.0% Average amount $21,460	100.0% Average amount $28,052
Students receiving federal student loan	38.0% Average amount $5,411	45.0% Average amount $5,497
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $26,787	9.0% Average amount $19,168

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	15,191 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%	7,660 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	5,435 Men 34.4% Women 65.6%	3,660 Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.4%	N/A
International students	4.2%	3.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,321	5,295
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas California Colorado Illinois Washington	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Public Administration and Social Service Legal Profession Education	Health Professions Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Engineering Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	81.6%	81.4%
Dropout rate	18.2%	18.3%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,204 Year 2: $96,457 Year 3: $109,058 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $100,127 Year 3: $100,370 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,388 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $98,739 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,072 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $85,393 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,702 Year 2: $75,047 Year 3: $82,751 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,793 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $82,525 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,614 Year 2: $65,320 Year 3: $82,203 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,012 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $75,979 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,433 Year 2: $63,522 Year 3: $74,962 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,921 Year 2: $66,897 Year 3: $74,883	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 primary religious affiliations of Baylor University and Marquette University?

Baylor University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, while Marquette University is a Jesuit Catholic institution. This affiliation significantly influences the values, campus culture, and, in some cases, the curriculum at each university.
How do the locations of Baylor and Marquette differ?

Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas, a mid-sized city in the central part of the state. Marquette University is situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a major city in the Midwest. The location impacts the climate, access to cultural events, and the overall feel of the surrounding community.
What is the academic focus of each university?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. Baylor is known for its strong programs in business, law, and health sciences, as well as its commitment to undergraduate research. Marquette excels in areas like business, law, engineering, and health sciences, with a strong emphasis on social justice and service.
How does the campus culture compare between Baylor and Marquette?

Baylor has a strong emphasis on tradition and a close-knit community, often reflecting its Baptist heritage. Marquette fosters a culture rooted in Jesuit values, emphasizing service, social responsibility, and intellectual inquiry. Both universities have active student life, but the specific activities and social dynamics will vary based on the respective campus cultures.
What are the admission requirements like for Baylor and Marquette?

Admission requirements are similar in that both universities consider factors like GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), extracurricular activities, and essays. However, specific requirements, such as minimum GPA or test score ranges, may differ. It's best to consult each university's official admissions website for the most up-to-date information.
How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare?

Tuition and fees vary between the two universities. Both offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The availability and amount of financial aid can depend on factors like academic merit, financial need, and specific program requirements. Prospective students should compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) to determine affordability.
What are the athletic programs like at Baylor and Marquette?

Both universities have Division I athletic programs. Baylor is a member of the Big 12 Conference, while Marquette competes in the Big East Conference. Baylor is known for its success in football, basketball, and other sports. Marquette is particularly strong in basketball. The athletic programs contribute significantly to the campus spirit and student life at both institutions.
What are the housing options like at Baylor and Marquette?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. Baylor generally requires freshmen to live on campus. Marquette also has a variety of residence halls and apartments. The specific housing options, costs, and amenities will vary, so it's important to research the available options at each university.
How do the career services and alumni networks differ?

Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, internships, and career planning. The strength of the alumni network can vary depending on the specific program and industry. Baylor's alumni network is strong, particularly in Texas and the South. Marquette's alumni network is well-established, especially in the Midwest and in fields related to its core academic strengths.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider your academic interests, desired campus culture, location preferences, and financial situation. If you value a strong Baptist tradition and a location in Texas, Baylor might be a good choice. If you are drawn to Jesuit values, a Midwestern city, and a focus on social justice, Marquette could be a better fit. Visiting both campuses, if possible, and talking to current students can help you make an informed decision.

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