Marquette University
Marquette University is a private nonprofit university in Milwaukee, WI ranked #166 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 7,238 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 87.4%. Students most often pursue Real Estate and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 91.3% first-year retention, and 80.1% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $29,237, about $12,239 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -44.2%, roughly 129.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $65,241. That's about $21,553 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Marquette University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Marquette University graduates 80.1% of students within six years and keeps 91.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Marquette University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $48,700 |
| Books and Supplies | $720 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,740 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,270 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $63,233 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.8% of Marquette University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,364 to $34,465 depending on family income. Use Marquette University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $30,974/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,465/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $65,241
- 10-Year Median Earnings $65,241
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.7%
- Employment Rate 93.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Marquette University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Marquette University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Marquette University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Marquette University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Marquette University graduates earn $65,241 median, the -44.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 600-680
- SAT Math 590-680
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 26-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,238
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 91.3%
- Graduation Rate 80.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Marquette University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Marquette University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 87.4%, Marquette University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 87.4% acceptance rate, Marquette University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190 and 1360 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Marquette University undergraduates. Biology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Finance and Financial Management Services draw the most students.
- Biology, General 8.7%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.3%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 6.1%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 5.2%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.9%
- Marketing 4.8%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 4.6%
- Mechanical Engineering 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Real Estate $104,942
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $101,453
- 3. Business/Managerial Economics $98,943
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer Engineering $98,099
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $97,171
- 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General $96,813
- 7. Accounting and Related Services $93,729
- 8. Civil Engineering $91,837
- 9. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $91,571
- 10. International Business $87,599
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $243,928
- 2. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $195,870
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $138,754
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $138,731
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $127,268
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $111,063
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $106,523
- 8. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degree) $105,677
- 9. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $99,064
- 10. Law (First Professional Degree) $95,359
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Real Estate grads earn $104,942—20% more than International Business ($87,599). Graduate: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other programs lead with $243,928 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Marquette University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 220 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 200 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 175 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 145 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 141 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (71 programs)â–¼
- Biology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Marketing
- Psychology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Criminology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- History
- Economics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Journalism
- Civil Engineering
- Sociology
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Social Work
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Mathematics
- Real Estate
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- International Business
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Philosophy
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Education, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Physics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Statistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Mathematical Economics
- Construction Engineering
- Cognitive Science
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Physics
- Area Studies
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Applied Mathematics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Engineering, General
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business/Commerce, General
- Data Science
Online Master's Degrees (43 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Accounting and Related Services
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Economics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Applied Statistics
- Psychology, General
- History
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Political Science and Government
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Dispute Resolution
- Computational Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Statistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Data Analytics
- Biology, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (20 programs)â–¼
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Philosophy
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- History
- Computational Science
- Civil Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer Science
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (12 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Engineering, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Dentistry
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,238
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.2%
- Female Students 55.8%
- Caucasian 66.7%
- Asian 6.3%
- Hispanic 15.8%
- Black 5.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Marquette University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Marquette University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Marquette University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Marquette University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Marquette University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Marquette University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Marquette University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -44.2% ROI. Ranked #166 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $29,237 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $65,241 median earnings. With 80.1% graduating within six years and 91.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Marquette University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #166 ranking, Marquette University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $29,237 annually, Marquette University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 91.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $20,466 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -44.2% ROI and $65,241 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $19,237+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Marquette University ranks #166 of 6272 institutions, with 865 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 80.1% six-year graduation rate sits 17.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.3% first-year retention is 14.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -44.2% return on investment is 129.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $65,241 run about 49% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $29,237 is roughly $12,119 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 91.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.2% employment rate within three years sits 25.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,237 is about $12,119 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.8% trails the national share by 20.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It appears at #166 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns A, Support B+, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
91.3% of learners come back after year one while 80.1% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -44.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,237 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $63,233.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $33,996 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $65,241 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 49% higher.
Roughly 93.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -44.2% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
87.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Marquette University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Milwaukee, WI 53233
- Website www.marquette.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$865.3M