Marquette University

Marquette University, a private Jesuit Catholic institution founded in 1881, continues to rank among the top choices for students who value academic rigour, ethical leadership, and real-world impact. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Marquette blends urban advantages with a close-knit academic community.

For 2025/26, the university has strengthened its offerings with:

• Expanded health sciences programs

• Increased research funding

• More hybrid and online graduate programs

• Additional scholarships for international students

Its Jesuit heritage emphasises cura personalis—care for the whole person—ensuring education focuses on intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth.

Where Exactly is Marquette University Located?

Marquette’s 90-acre urban campus sits in downtown Milwaukee, a city on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
Students benefit from:

• Easy access to cultural districts, sports venues, and internships

• Proximity to Chicago (90 minutes by train)

• A mix of modern facilities and historic architecture

Milwaukee’s cost of living is about 20–25% lower than Chicago’s, making it appealing for students balancing tuition and lifestyle.

What is Marquette University Known For Academically?

Marquette is nationally recognised for:

• Undergraduate teaching excellence — consistently top 20 in the U.S. News rankings

• Professional schools in law, dentistry, nursing, engineering, and business

• Community engagement and service-learning programs

• High levels of undergraduate research opportunities

• Strong career placement rates

It is also one of the few universities offering both a law school and a dental school within a private Catholic setting.

What Are the Colleges and Faculties at Marquette?

Marquette is divided into 11 academic divisions, each with specialised departments:

Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Offers humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with research labs and study abroad partnerships.

College of Business Administration
AACSB-accredited, with majors in finance, marketing, accounting, and supply chain management.

Diederich College of Communication
Known for journalism, public relations, and digital media programs.

College of Education
Focuses on K–12 teacher preparation and counselling psychology.

Opus College of Engineering
Houses innovation labs, robotics research, and partnerships with major industry employers.

College of Health Sciences
Offers biomedical sciences, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.

College of Nursing
Highly competitive, with a near-100% NCLEX pass rate.

Graduate School and Graduate School of Management
Offer master’s and doctoral degrees in multiple disciplines.

Marquette University Law School
Known for sports law, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.

Marquette University School of Dentistry
The only dental school in Wisconsin with modern clinics for patient care.

How to Get Into Marquette University – 2025 Admission Requirements

Marquette’s 2025/26 academic year cut-off GPA and admission standards are as follows:

Undergraduate Programs:

• General admission: 3.0 GPA (unweighted)

• Nursing, Engineering, and Business: 3.4 GPA (unweighted)

Graduate Programs:

• Varies by department; competitive GPAs and GRE/GMAT scores recommended for certain programs.

Law School:

• GPA: 3.3+

• LSAT: 155+

School of Dentistry:

• GPA: 3.4+

• DAT: 19+

English Proficiency (International Students):

• TOEFL iBT: 80+

• IELTS: 6.5+

• Duolingo English Test: 115+

Test scores are optional for most undergraduates but may strengthen competitive applications.

What Courses and Degrees Does Marquette Offer in 2025?

Marquette offers 80+ undergraduate majors and 70+ graduate programs.

Sample Undergraduate Programs:

• Nursing

• Mechanical Engineering

• Biomedical Sciences

• International Affairs

• Journalism

• Computer Science

Graduate Programs:

• MBA

• MS in Nursing

• PhD in Engineering

• MA in Communication

Tuition and Fees for the 2025/26 Academic Year

Housing and Meals: ~$14,000/year
Mandatory Fees: ~$1,100/year

What is the Acceptance Rate for 2025?

The projected acceptance rate for Fall 2025 is 83% overall. However:

• Nursing: < 20%

• Dentistry: < 10%

• Law School: ~ 40%

Scholarships and Financial Aid at Marquette (2025/26)

Major Scholarships:

• Presidential Scholarship – Full tuition

• Ignatius Scholarship – $5,000–$18,000/year

• Catholic High School Award – $2,000/year

• International Jesuit High School Scholarship – $2,000/year

• Athletic and departmental awards

Over $150 million in financial aid is awarded annually.

What is Student Life Like at Marquette?

Student life blends academic intensity with vibrant extracurriculars:

• 275+ student organisations

• NCAA Division I sports in the Big East Conference

• On-campus housing ranging from residence halls to apartment-style living

• Volunteer and service-learning opportunities through Campus Ministry

Living in Milwaukee as a Student

Milwaukee offers:

• Affordable housing and transport

• Access to Lake Michigan beaches

• Summer festivals (Summerfest, Irish Fest, German Fest)

• Internship opportunities with Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, and Northwestern Mutual

Job Placement and Alumni Success

According to 2024 data:

• 95% placement rate within 6 months of graduation

• Average starting salary: $60,000

• Alumni network of 115,000+ worldwide

Rankings and Reputation in 2025

• #86 National Universities — U.S. News 2025

• #20 Undergraduate Teaching — U.S. News 2025

• Best Value Colleges — Niche.com 2025

• Top 55 National Universities — Wall Street Journal 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA is required for Marquette University?
3.0 for general programs; 3.4+ for competitive majors.

Is Marquette University test-optional for 2025?
Yes, except for certain majors recommending the SAT/ACT.

Does Marquette give full scholarships?
Yes, through competitive awards like the Presidential Scholarship.

What majors are popular at Marquette?
Nursing, engineering, business, biomedical sciences, and communication.

Is the campus safe?
Yes — the university has its police department and 24/7 safety escorts.

Marquette University continues to stand out as a premier institution that merges academic excellence with a mission-driven approach to education. Rooted in Jesuit traditions, it offers not only rigorous coursework but also a strong emphasis on ethical leadership, service to others, and personal growth. Its prime location in Milwaukee provides students with access to vibrant cultural opportunities, professional internships, and community engagement projects, ensuring that learning extends well beyond the classroom. With modern facilities, state-of-the-art labs, and an inclusive campus environment, Marquette cultivates both intellectual and personal development.

Looking ahead to the 2025/26 academic year, the university’s expanded academic programs, competitive scholarships, and exceptional faculty make it a compelling choice for students from diverse backgrounds. Whether pursuing nursing, engineering, business, or law, learners benefit from a supportive network and a high rate of career placement. For those seeking a university that delivers on both opportunity and values, Marquette remains a top contender.