Marquette University is a private, Catholic, Jesuit institution located in the heart of Milwaukee, link Wisconsin. Founded in 1881, it is the largest private university in Wisconsin and one of 27 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Named after Father Jacques Marquette, the 17th-century French Jesuit explorer and missionary, the university has grown from a small college into a comprehensive research university while remaining rooted in its distinctive Jesuit mission.
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
Marquette enrolls approximately 11,746 students, including 8,045 undergraduates, across 11 schools and colleges . The university offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and dozens of graduate and professional programs. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Marquette placed No. 88 among National Universities—in the top 20% of ranked institutions—and ranked No. 17 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, marking the fourth consecutive year in the top 20 for that category .
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 rankings placed Marquette at No. 82 nationally for student outcomes, and the university ranks No. 6 nationally and No. 1 in Wisconsin for job placement according to Zippia . The Princeton Review also recognized Marquette as No. 14 for Best Colleges for Internships among private universities .
Within the Jesuit network, Marquette ranks as the fourth-highest institution, trailing only Georgetown University, Boston College, and Santa Clara University .
Graduate Program Distinctions
In the 2026-27 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings, several Marquette programs earned notable recognition :
- Physical Therapy — No. 16 nationally
- Nurse Midwifery — No. 20 nationally
- Nurse Anesthesia — No. 35 nationally (up from No. 60)
- Nursing Master’s Programs — No. 50 nationally (up from No. 57)
- Part-time MBA — No. 41 nationally
A Jesuit Education Rooted in Mission
What distinguishes Marquette from other research universities is its Jesuit, Catholic identity. The university’s mission is the search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others . These principles are captured in four pillars: Excellence, Faith, Leadership, and Service.
The concept of Cura Personalis—Latin for “care for the whole person”—is central to the Marquette experience. Students are cared for as individuals, and the university strives to develop men and women who will dedicate their lives to the service of others and play an active role in creating a more just society .
Marquette’s commitment to access is reflected in its student body: 1 in 5 students is first-generation college students, and the university welcomes nearly 400 international students annually from more than 60 countries . The university was also the first coeducational Catholic university in the world, educating women alongside men since 1909 .
Campus and Community
Marquette’s 93-acre urban campus is located just west of downtown Milwaukee, offering students the best of both worlds: a traditional college campus with easy access to a major metropolitan area. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the St. Joan of Arc Chapel—originally built in 15th-century France, transported to the United States, and reconstructed piece by piece in 1966. It is now the oldest building in Wisconsin and the only medieval chapel in the Western Hemisphere .
The John P. Raynor, S.J. Library houses an impressive collection that includes original manuscripts by J.R.R. Tolkien, visit site making it a destination for scholars of the author’s work. The library, completed in 2003, serves as the academic heart of campus.
Other notable facilities include the Al McGuire Center, home to Marquette’s basketball programs, and O’Brien Hall, opened in 2023, a state-of-the-art space designed to foster collaboration between business students and industry . The School of Dentistry building houses Wisconsin’s only dental school.
Athletics and the Golden Eagles
Marquette competes in the Big East Conference at the NCAA Division I level, with 16 varsity teams . The university’s athletic identity is tied to its men’s basketball program, which won the 1977 NCAA Championship under legendary coach Al McGuire and has made 51 postseason appearances—top 10 among all Division I programs . The team shares a home arena with the NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks.
Admissions and Student Profile
Marquette has become increasingly competitive in recent years. The university received more than 20,000 applications for the fall 2025 incoming class, a 30% increase over two years. The university employs a holistic admission review that considers academic achievement alongside unique talents, leadership and service activities, the application essay, and school profile .
For first-year applicants, Marquette offers two application options: the Common Application or the Marquette application. Key deadlines include:
- Early Action — November 15 (non-binding; recommended for Honors Program consideration)
- Regular Decision — February 1 (on-time applicants receive decisions by March 1)
Required materials include official high school transcripts, an essay, and an extracurricular activities list. ACT/SAT scores are optional under the university’s Test Optional Policy .
The student body reflects Marquette’s commitment to access and economic diversity. 22% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, and 28% of students are people of color . The student body is 56% women and 44% men, with racial diversity including 64.5% White, 15.4% Hispanic/Latino, 6.2% Asian, and 5.6% Black or African American .
Cost and Financial Aid
Marquette is a significant investment, but the university is committed to making it accessible. For the 2026-27 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition is $53,890**, with housing and food ranging from **$14,380 to $18,790**, and fees of **$1,200. Total annual costs are estimated at $69,470 to $73,880 .
The vast majority of students receive assistance. 99% of undergraduates received some form of financial aid, and the university distributed more than $170 million in scholarships last year . This substantial investment in financial aid helps bridge the gap between sticker price and actual cost for most families.
Graduate tuition varies by program. The Graduate School charges $1,450 per credit hour**, while the **Education Graduate** programs charge **$1,080 per credit hour . The Law School charges $53,010 per year**, and the **School of Dentistry** charges **$62,890 per year for Wisconsin residents and $71,550 for out-of-state students .
Notable Alumni and Legacy
Marquette’s alumni network is characterized by a spirit of service and ethical leadership. The university has over 115,000 alumni and over 40 alumni clubs worldwide . The award-winning Marquette Mentors program matches students with alumni mentors to help them prepare for and launch their careers.
Notable alumni include:
- James Wright Foley, a journalist killed while reporting in Syria, whose legacy foundation advocates for journalist safety
- Dr. Theresa Wahlig, a neonatologist and CEO of ChildServe, a pediatric healthcare organization
- Mark A. Cameli, a prominent attorney recognized for his pro bono work and ethical leadership
The university has also received transformative philanthropic support, including a $51 million gift from Raymond and Kathryn Eckstein in 2007—the largest ever given to a Wisconsin university—which benefited the Law School.
A University of Consequence
Marquette University occupies a distinctive place in American higher education. It combines the academic resources of a national research university with the personal attention and values-driven education of a Jesuit institution. Its location in Milwaukee provides students with urban opportunities while its residential campus fosters a strong sense of community.
For students seeking an education that integrates rigorous academics with ethical formation and a commitment to serving others, Marquette offers a compelling proposition. The university’s rising applications, strong rankings, see post and dedicated alumni network suggest that its distinctive mission continues to resonate with new generations of students.