🏆Top competitive awards include full tuition or full ride options — e.g., Urban Scholars (full tuition), Burke Scholars (full ride), and Global Scholar (full tuition + housing/food + fees). See Flagship (Competitive) for details.
Average Net Price
$29,237/year
What families actually paid on average (College Scorecard)
Automatic Merit
Père Marquette Award (amounts vary; automatic)
Considered with admission — no separate application
Marquette is known for generous, mission-driven merit aid — most admitted students receive some scholarship, and competitive programs like Urban Scholars, Burke Scholars, the new Lovell Presidential Scholars, and the Global Scholar can cover full tuition or more. Strong academics, leadership, and service matter most.
Use this guide to see which awards are automatic (Père Marquette), which require separate applications, and how to combine them with federal or Wisconsin-based aid for maximum value.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Marquette is test-optional and gives full scholarship consideration with or without test scores.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 26–31; SAT: 1220–1350 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $29,237/year on average after aid (latest federal College Scorecard). See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No — Marquette is a private university with one tuition rate for all students.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Marquette University (2026-2027)
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
Category
Estimated Cost
Tuition & Mandatory Fees
$53,310
Housing & Meals
$16,190
Total (before aid)
$69,500
Other estimated expenses (not billed directly by Marquette):
Books & supplies (~$720), transportation (~$1,740), and personal expenses (~$1,600).
These figures vary based on travel distance, personal spending, and course requirements,
but they help families estimate the true cost of attendance when planning ahead.
Average Federal Net Price: About $29,237 per year after scholarships and grants (2022–23 federal data).
This reflects what families actually paid out of pocket on average — excluding loans.
Good to know:
Marquette requires only the FAFSA for financial aid consideration — not the CSS Profile.
Although it’s a private university, tuition is the same for all U.S. students regardless of residency.
State-based grants (like the Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship) and outside awards can also
stack with Marquette’s institutional scholarships to further reduce cost.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Is tuition the same for everyone? Yes — Marquette charges one rate for all students, whether in-state or out-of-state.
Do I need to submit the CSS Profile? No — only the FAFSA is required for Marquette scholarships and need-based aid.
Can aid significantly reduce the total cost? Yes — while the sticker price is around $69,500, most families pay far less thanks to merit scholarships and need-based aid.
Sources (Tier 1–2 Verified):
Marquette University Financial Aid (2025–26 Estimates): https://www.marquette.edu/tuition-financial-aid/costs.php
Marquette University Common Data Set 2024–25: https://www.marquette.edu/academic-effectiveness/institutional-research-analysis/documents/cds-2024-2025_final.pdf
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Net Price $29,237): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?239105-Marquette-University
Marquette Admissions (Test Policy & Deadlines): https://www.marquette.edu/admissions/undergraduate/
Marquette Scholarships Overview: https://www.marquette.edu/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships-overview.php
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Marquette automatically considers all admitted students for certain scholarships—no separate application needed. Awards are based on GPA, the rigor of high school coursework, and (if submitted) superscored ACT or SAT results.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Père Marquette Award
$5,000–$30,000+ per year
All admitted freshmen; GPA, rigor, and superscored ACT/SAT (if submitted)
No
Yes—8 semesters, FT, good standing
Most: 3.5+ GPA (many 3.8+); ACT 27+ or SAT 1250+ if submitted*
Dec 1 (priority)
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
$3,000/year × 4 years
National Merit Finalists; Marquette as first choice
No
Yes—up to 8 semesters
Finalists listing Marquette as #1
Feb 1 (National Merit)
*Award ranges and GPA/test scores are based on current Marquette guidance and recent class statistics. Actual thresholds can shift year to year.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Does Marquette superscore the ACT or SAT? No. Marquette considers your highest composite score from a single sitting—not section superscoring.
Do I need a separate scholarship application? No—your application for admission is all you need if submitted by the freshman deadline.
Can test-optional students receive merit scholarships? Yes—Marquette is test-optional, and top GPA/rigor alone can earn awards. Strong submitted scores (ACT 27+/SAT 1250+) may improve your offer.
Can these stack with other awards? Yes—state programs (Wisconsin Excellence), some departmental, and private scholarships may be added on top of Marquette automatic merit (up to financial need/tuition limits).
Marquette offers a handful of selective, high-value scholarships that go beyond the automatic merit awards. These programs are limited in number, require separate applications or nominations, and often emphasize leadership, service, or global engagement. Competition is tough—but these awards can significantly reduce costs for top candidates.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Urban Scholars Program
Full tuition (up to 45 awards)
Milwaukee area high school seniors; first-gen/Pell-eligible encouraged; 3.0+ GPA
Yes—separate app by Feb 1
Yes—8 semesters; FAFSA, good standing
Engaged city leaders, often first-gen, strong academics & need
Feb 1
Global Scholar Award
Covers tuition, housing, meals, fees
International first-years; top grades; record of global/community engagement
Yes—separate app, essays, interview
Yes—multi-year, good standing
Global leaders—top international applicants
Feb 1
Burke Scholars Program
Full tuition (WI residents)
Wisconsin high school seniors; strong commitment to service/leadership; 3.5+ GPA*
Yes—nomination/app
Yes—8 semesters, service-leader cohort
WI students with top grades, deep service & leadership
Feb 1
*GPA figures above are typical of past winners. Marquette uses holistic review—leadership and service are essential.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How many students get these awards? Urban Scholars selects about 45 per year; Global and Burke are even more limited.
Can you stack these awards with automatic merit? No—full-tuition awards replace school merit, but may combine with some state/external funds.
Are test-optional students eligible? Yes—emphasis is on GPA, service, and engagement, though strong scores can help.
Are they renewable? Yes, as long as participants stay full-time, meet program standards, and keep up academic progress.
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships, Marquette offers several niche programs that can make a big difference—especially for first-gen, identity-based, and service-oriented students. These awards are often donor-funded or tied to leadership, music, or community engagement.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship
$2,250/year
WI high school valedictorians, top students designated by school
Yes—state process
Yes
WI students selected by school; can stack with merit aid
Spring (local selection)
St. Ignatius Service & Leadership Scholarship
$2,500–$5,000/year*
High school leadership + service; solid grades
Yes—MU scholarship portal
Yes
Students with solid academic and major leadership/service portfolios
*Dollar figures above reflect available info and current departmental/funder practices. Details change each year—apply early and check with campus offices for latest details.
Hidden Gems FAQs
Do these stack with Marquette merit? Yes—most do, except when paired with full-tuition scholarships.
How do I apply? Use the MU scholarship portal, departmental apps, and contact the Financial Aid/Office of Engagement for donor and service scholarships.
Can DACA/undocumented students apply? Yes—they’re eligible for Ellacuría and potentially other identity- or need-based awards.
Marquette offers the University Honors Program rather than a standalone Honors College. This program is open to high-achieving first-years through application and also admits current students who excel during their first year. Honors emphasizes small seminars, faculty mentorship, and deep engagement in research, service-learning, and the campus community.
What a Typical Marquette Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.7+*, strong AP/IB or honors coursework, evidence of leadership, writing strength, and a commitment to service. MU students may also enter after one semester with a 3.5+ GPA and faculty recommendation.
Honors Program Perks That Matter:
Priority course registration each semester
Small, faculty-led seminar courses
Dedicated Honors housing
Funding for research and thesis projects
Special Honors-only study abroad scholarships
Program
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
University Honors Program
No direct scholarship (perks only)
Admitted high-achieving students; first-years (3.7+ GPA) or current students (3.5+ GPA after first semester)
Yes—separate application required
N/A
High-achieving, service-minded students with strong writing and leadership
Feb 1 (priority)
Opus College of Engineering – Opus Scholars (Honors-linked)
$5,000–$10,000/year*
Engineering admits, financial need, join Honors seminar/experience
Yes—engineering/Honors/aid
Yes—must keep program status
Engineering students in Honors with financial need and strong profiles
Feb 1
*Numbers above reflect typical qualifications and award amounts. Details may change each year; check Marquette’s Honors and Financial Aid pages for current guidance.
Honors FAQs
Is Honors admission automatic for top applicants? No—admission requires a separate Honors application, not just grades/test scores.
Does the Honors path require extra time? No—seminars and projects count toward core/elective requirements; most Honors students graduate on time.
Are there direct Honors scholarships? No—perks and special funding are most common, but select awards (like Opus) may be tied to Honors and financial need.
When do I apply? High school seniors apply before Feb 1 for fall entry; current students after their first semester if GPA is high enough.
Marquette University is a private Jesuit university in Milwaukee known for blending strong professional programs with a values-driven education. Many families first notice Marquette for its nationally respected health sciences and business programs, but the university also has a long-standing reputation for journalism, communication, and public service fields. Because of its urban location and strong alumni network throughout the Midwest, students often gain internships and career connections early in their college experience.
Nationally Known Program: Journalism & Media (Diederich College of Communication) — Marquette’s journalism program is widely recognized in the Midwest and nationally for investigative reporting, digital media, and political journalism. Graduates frequently move into careers at major media outlets, sports networks, and national publications.
Nursing & Health Sciences: Marquette’s College of Nursing and health science programs are among the university’s most selective majors, with strong clinical partnerships throughout the Milwaukee medical system.
Business (College of Business Administration): AACSB-accredited with strong pipelines into accounting, finance, and marketing careers across the Midwest.
Biomedical Sciences & Pre-Health: Popular pathway for students preparing for medical, dental, and physician assistant programs.
Engineering: Known for hands-on labs, industry partnerships, and cooperative learning experiences that connect students to Wisconsin’s manufacturing and technology sectors.
Political Science & Public Service: The Les Aspin Center in Washington, D.C. gives students direct internship access on Capitol Hill.
🔗 Official Marquette University Links
Use the official Marquette University resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship policies,
costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for the most current deadlines and award terms.
Marquette can look intimidating at first with its private university sticker price, but the reality is far more encouraging for families. Between the Père Marquette automatic award, selective full-tuition programs like Urban Scholars and Burke, and hidden gems tied to service, identity, or music, there are many ways to bring costs down. Add in strong programs in nursing, business, and health sciences, and it’s clear why Marquette is a compelling option for students across Wisconsin and beyond—especially first-gen families who want both community support and career-ready opportunities.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
__utma
ID used to identify users and sessions
2 years after last activity
__utmt
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
