Hate ads? Verify for LSD+ → Learn More

Follow @lawschooldata on TikTok & Instagram

Head-to-head · 17 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 77% chose UWisconsin. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 17 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

17
cross-admits
5
cycles
-13pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 17 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
University of Wisconsin logo Chose UWisconsin
77%
Chose Marquette University Marquette University logo
23%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$35,000
94.0% get a grant
$1,526 net tuition
$23,000
94.0% get a grant
$28,970 net tuition

Cross-admits who enrolled · self-reported, 3-yr award

$42,000
n = 9
n < 5
View all-time (74 cross-admits)
88% chose UWisconsin 12% chose Marquette University

Trend · UWisconsin's share

2007–2024

Lowest cycle

80%

Highest cycle

100%
5 cycles
100 50 0 07 08 09 20 24 2007: 100% 2008: 100% 2009: 100% 2020: 80% 2024: 88%
UWisconsin #29 · Marquette University #54 LSD n≈7/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
University of Wisconsin logo
UWisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Marquette University logo
Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
USN Rank
#26
#59
LSD Rank
#29 (0.022)
Top 75 (0.006)
LSAT 25th
161
156
LSAT Median
167
158
LSAT 75th
169
160
GPA Median
3.81
3.70
Acceptance Rate
19.1%
22.1%
Class Size
224
218
Yield Rate
46.4%
46.7%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
University of Wisconsin logo
UWisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Marquette University logo
Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tuition (In-State)
$36,526
$51,970
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$53,640
$51,970
Median Grant
$35,000
$23,000
% Receiving Grants
94.0%
94.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
University of Wisconsin logo
UWisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Marquette University logo
Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BigLaw (501+)
12.9%
5.1%
Federal Clerkships
3.5%
0.6%
State & Local Clerkships
2.4%
0.6%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
96.1%
95.4%
Bar Pass Rate
80.0%
50.0%

Overview

About UWisconsin vs Marquette University

Across 17 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 77% enrolled at University of Wisconsin and 23% at Marquette University. The split has shifted -13 points across the tracked cycles.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

Deciding between UWisconsin and Marquette University? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
Join waitlist →

Compare another pair

vs
Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares University of Wisconsin and Marquette University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, University of Wisconsin is ranked #26 compared to #59 — a gap of 33 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: University of Wisconsin has a median LSAT of 167 compared to 158, a gap of 9 points. This suggests applicants to University of Wisconsin face a more competitive admissions pool.

Both schools are located in Wisconsin — University of Wisconsin in Madison and Marquette University in Milwaukee — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

On cost, University of Wisconsin has lower tuition at $36,526 per year compared to $51,970. Combined with employment rates of 96.1% (UWisconsin) and 95.4% (Marquette University), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.