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87.2%Acceptance
$48,700Tuition
7,238Students
80%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$78,257Earnings
#21 in WisconsinPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Marquette University

Marquette produces basketball stars and business leaders from its Milwaukee campus of 7,238 students. The Jesuit university launched NBA careers for Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler while building one of the country's respected business programs. Students compete for admission with an 87% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1265.

Most students pay around $29,237 after aid rather than the full $48,700 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $78,257 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $23,940 manageable with monthly payments of $254. The 96.5% employment rate suggests strong job prospects after graduation.

The Golden Eagles compete in Big East basketball, where March Madness runs are part of campus culture. Students stay engaged with a 91% retention rate, and 81% graduate in four years. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, typical of Jesuit education's personal approach. Two-thirds of students come from outside Wisconsin, creating a diverse mix on the urban campus where 66% of students are white and 16% are Hispanic.

Academics & Faculty

Marquette operates as a Catholic research university where Jesuit traditions emphasize critical thinking and service learning. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, contributing to an 81% four-year graduation rate that beats many larger universities. The College of Business Administration draws national recognition, particularly for finance and marketing programs. Engineering students benefit from co-op programs with Milwaukee's manufacturing sector. The school's nursing program consistently ranks among the top in the Midwest. Pre-health students achieve high acceptance rates to medical and dental schools, supported by dedicated advising and research opportunities. With 91% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, students clearly find the academic support they need.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
57.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
81.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
80.1%
Retention Rate
91.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$78,257
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. Master $194,665
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. Master $163,702
Dentistry. Doctoral $130,858
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $105,529
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $105,083
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $98,506
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $88,803
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Doctoral $87,309
Construction Engineering. Bachelor $73,949
Computer Engineering. Bachelor $73,446

View all 160 programs →

Campus Life

Marquette sits in downtown Milwaukee, giving students immediate access to internships and city life. With housing capacity for 5,295 students and total enrollment of 7,238, most undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, reflecting the Jesuit emphasis on personal attention.

Milwaukee winters demand serious coats and boots, with snow lasting from December through March. Students bundle up for basketball games at Fiserv Forum, where the Golden Eagles compete in the Big East Conference. The campus buzzes during March Madness, when the entire university rallies behind the team that produced NBA stars like Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler. Weekend options include exploring Milwaukee's famous brewery scene, catching Brewers games, or heading to nearby Lake Michigan beaches when weather permits. The 91.35% retention rate suggests students quickly feel at home despite the harsh winters. Campus traditions center around basketball, with students camping out for tickets and painting themselves gold for big games.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
5,295 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1881

Campus Safety (2023)

107 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 13 0 2 16
Burglary 14 7 0 0
Rape 7 6 1 0
Aggravated Assault 8 3 0 2
Fondling 6 5 0 0
Stalking 5 3 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 4
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 2

Climate & Weather

January Avg
14°–30°F
July Avg
63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
39.4"
Annual Snowfall
52.3"

Student Demographics

Marquette draws students from across the Midwest and beyond, with two-thirds coming from outside Wisconsin. The student body reflects the Jesuit commitment to accessibility, with nearly one in five students receiving Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for universities with strong liberal arts and health science programs alongside business. The diverse mix includes students attracted to Marquette's blend of Catholic values and big-city opportunities in Milwaukee. Most students come from middle-class families who value the personalized attention that comes with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio.
Men
44.2%
Women
55.8%
White
66.7%
Black
5.4%
Hispanic
15.8%
Asian
6.3%
In-State Students
34.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.8%

Location

Marquette sits in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city with over 590,000 residents. The campus occupies 93 acres in the heart of downtown, placing students within walking distance of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the city's business district. Milwaukee offers major league sports, including the Brewers and Bucks, plus a thriving arts scene centered around the Historic Third Ward. The university draws 65.72% of students from out-of-state, reflecting its national appeal beyond Wisconsin's borders. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, but the city's German heritage creates a active cultural atmosphere with festivals and breweries. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Marquette with similar schools in the region.
Address
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
Pere Marquette
Pere Marquette
Johnston Hall
Johnston Hall
AMU Crop
AMU Crop

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$78,257
Median Earnings (5 years)
$76,036
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$54,000
Loan Repayment Rate
79.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$254/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,940

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Marquette University?

Marquette University accepts 87.21% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1170 and 1360 on the SAT. This Jesuit university values well-rounded admissions that consider character alongside academics.

How much does Marquette University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $29,237 after aid, though the sticker price reaches $65,160 including room and board. Graduates leave with a median debt of $23,940 and monthly loan payments of $254. The Catholic university provides substantial institutional grants averaging $29,102 to qualifying students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Marquette University?

Marquette maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 7,238 total students. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes personalized education and mentorship. Students benefit from small class sizes that encourage discussion and critical thinking.

What are the career outcomes for Marquette University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $78,257 ten years after graduation with a 96.5% employment rate. The university's strong business school and Milwaukee connections help students land quality jobs. Alumni like NBA stars Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler showcase the university's reach into professional sports.

Where is Marquette University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, housing 5,295 students in on-campus facilities. With 55.78% women and 44.22% men, the student body draws from across the country with only 34.28% from Wisconsin. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I and the BIG EAST Conference.

How strong is Marquette University's basketball program?

Marquette fields 12 varsity sports with 316 total athletes and awards $5.8 million in athletic scholarships. The Golden Eagles basketball program has produced NBA stars and coaches, including current players Jimmy Butler and former coach Doc Rivers. The team competes in the strong BIG EAST Conference against top national programs.