At $29,237/yr net price, Marquette University graduates earn $78,257/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,257/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,237 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,948 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,257/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,257/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,940 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,364/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,903/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,176/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,974/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,465/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $194,665 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $163,702 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $130,858 | $229,890 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $105,529 | $125,865 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $105,083 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $98,506 | $38,819 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $88,803 | $61,329 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $87,309 | |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,949 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $24,767 |
The Risk Factor
80.1% of students at Marquette University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Marquette University delivers solid middle-class returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $78,257 putting you well above the national average for college graduates. The university's professional programs create a clear financial hierarchy that determines your investment outcome.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Dentistry graduates earn $130,858 but carry nearly $230,000 in debt, creating a challenging early-career burden despite strong long-term prospects. Business programs generate strong returns at $163,702 with manageable debt loads. Nursing and allied health programs offer solid six-figure earning potential around $105,000, making them strong middle-ground choices.
The 80% graduation rate creates meaningful risk for your investment. One in five students leaves without a degree, losing their tuition investment entirely. Milwaukee's job market supports Marquette graduates reasonably well, but you'll likely need to consider broader Midwest opportunities for maximum earning potential.
Marquette works best financially if you can access merit aid or come from a family that can minimize borrowing. The $23,940 median debt level remains manageable for most programs, but only 19% of students receive aid, suggesting limited need-based support. You should have backup funding plans beyond financial aid.
Skip Marquette if you're considering lower-earning majors not represented in their top programs or if you need substantial financial aid. The university makes financial sense for pre-professional tracks, business, and health sciences where the earning potential justifies the private school premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marquette University worth the high tuition cost?
Marquette's graduates earn $78,257 annually after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional given the $29,237 annual net cost. The return on investment depends heavily on your major, with dental and business programs offering much stronger earning potential than other fields.
What are the best paying majors at Marquette University?
Dental programs at Marquette lead to the highest earnings, with advanced dentistry graduates earning nearly $195,000 annually. Business majors also perform well at $163,702, while nursing and allied health graduates earn around $105,000.
How much debt do Marquette University students graduate with?
Marquette graduates carry a median debt of $23,940, which is manageable compared to many private universities. This debt level is reasonable for high-earning majors like dentistry and business, but may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does Marquette University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
Marquette's net price of $29,237 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, this is still expensive for a regional private university, and aid quality varies significantly based on family income and academic merit.