Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Milwaukee, WI & Chicago, IL
When students choose between National Louis University and Marquette University, they're comparing two schools with fundamentally different missions. National Louis serves predominantly first-generation and low-income students in Chicago, with 57% receiving Pell grants.
Marquette attracts a more affluent student body in Milwaukee, with just 19% Pell recipients. The earnings gap reflects these different populations — but the institutional effectiveness story is more complex than the raw numbers suggest.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$23,940
federal loans
$19,750
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$45,500
borrowed by parents
$17,284
borrowed by parents
National Louis is predominantly business-focused, with 26% of graduates earning degrees in business fields and 24% in education. The largest programs include Teacher Education (156 graduates) and Management Sciences (84).
Marquette has a more balanced mix: 23% Business, 11% Engineering, 11% Social Sciences. Marquette's largest programs include Biology (200 graduates), Nursing (145), and Finance (141).
These program concentrations help explain the different career trajectories and earning patterns between institutions.
For students seeking strong outcomes relative to their demographic profile, National Louis demonstrates remarkable institutional effectiveness despite the completion challenges. Marquette offers higher absolute earnings and better graduation rates, making it the better choice for families who can manage the significantly higher cost and debt burden.
The data points to fundamentally different value propositions — National Louis excels at beating expectations for first-generation and low-income students, while Marquette provides a traditional private university path with higher earning potential. The right choice depends on your family's financial capacity, your academic preparation, and whether you prioritize beating demographic predictions versus maximizing absolute outcomes.
Key Takeaway
The numbers favor Marquette, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
