Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state students at Marquette?

Yes. Marquette is a private university, so the tuition rate is the same regardless of residency.

Can automatic scholarships stack with other awards?

Yes, many state or external awards can stack with Marquette merit; however, full-tuition competitive scholarships typically replace other Marquette merit awards.

Marquette University Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state?

Yes—Marquette is a private university, so the tuition rate is the same no matter where you live.

Q: Does Marquette superscore the ACT or SAT?

No. Marquette considers the highest composite score from a single test.

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit awards and who usually qualifies
Competitive scholarships like Urban Scholars and Global Scholar
Hidden gems, ROTC perks, and Honors Program opportunities

Marquette is a private Jesuit university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For families—especially first-gen parents—the price tag can feel overwhelming at first glance. This guide breaks down the real cost of attendance, what kinds of scholarships are automatic, and which competitive and hidden programs can make Marquette more affordable. Be sure to check the Wisconsin state aid guide alongside this page, since many students layer state grants with university aid.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Marquette University

Expense	Estimated Cost
Tuition (12+ credits, full-time band)	$52,070
Mandatory Fees	$1,240
Housing & Meals (average allowance)	$16,190
Books & Supplies	$720
Transportation	$1,740
Personal Expenses	$1,600
Total (before aid)	$73,560

Average Net Price: Families paid about $29,237 per year after grants and scholarships (2022–23 NCES data). This is what students actually paid out of pocket on average—excluding loans.

Good to know: Marquette does not require the CSS Profile—only the FAFSA. While Marquette is a private university and does not participate in regional tuition reciprocity programs like MSEP or the Minnesota–Wisconsin reciprocity, students may bring in outside state grants (such as the Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship) or other external awards, which can stack with Marquette scholarships to reduce the final cost.

Cost & Aid FAQs

Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state?
Yes—Marquette is private, so the tuition rate is the same no matter where you live.

Do I need the CSS Profile?
No. Marquette only requires the FAFSA to award financial aid.

Can aid really lower the cost that much?
Yes—while the sticker price is over $73,000, the average family paid closer to $29,000 after scholarships and grants.

✅ 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?
Père Marquette Award	$5,000 – $30,000+ per year	All admitted freshmen considered automatically; based on GPA, rigor, and superscored ACT/SAT (if submitted)	No	Yes (8 semesters with full-time status and good standing)	Most recipients have 3.5+ GPA, many 3.8+; ACT 27+ or SAT 1250+ if scores submitted*
National Merit Finalist Scholarship	$3,000/year × 4 years	National Merit Finalist who designates Marquette as first-choice	No	Yes (up to 8 semesters)	Finalists who list Marquette as their first-choice institution

*Award ranges and GPA/test profiles are based on student-reported data and Marquette guidance. Official cutoffs are not published and can change depending on the applicant pool and funding in a given year.

Automatic Merit FAQs

Does Marquette superscore the ACT or SAT?
No. Marquette uses your highest composite score from a single test.

Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No—apply for admission by the freshman deadline and you’re automatically considered.

Can test-optional students still earn scholarships?
Yes—Marquette awards merit aid based on GPA and rigor alone. Submitting strong scores (ACT 27+ / SAT 1250+) may increase award amounts.

Can these awards stack with others?
Yes—state programs like the Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship can stack with Marquette merit. Large full-tuition awards, however, usually replace them.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

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. They can be life-changing, but families should know they are highly competitive.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Urban Scholars Program	Full tuition (up to 45 awards)	High school seniors from Milwaukee area; preference for first-generation and Pell-eligible students; 3.0+ GPA	Yes – separate application by Feb 1	Yes (8 semesters, must file FAFSA annually and remain in good standing)	Community-engaged leaders, often first-gen, with solid academics and documented financial need
Global Scholar Award	Covers tuition, housing & meals, and student fees	International first-year applicants with strong academics and a record of global/community involvement	Yes – separate application, essays, and interview	Yes (multi-year, contingent on good standing)	Top international applicants with leadership and service profiles
Burke Scholars Program	Full tuition (WI residents only)	Wisconsin high school seniors with demonstrated commitment to service and leadership	Yes – nomination and application	Yes (8 semesters; must participate in service-leadership cohort)	WI students with 3.5+ GPA* and deep service/leadership experience

*GPA ranges are estimates based on past awardees and Marquette guidance. Official cutoffs are not published; selection is holistic and competitive.

Competitive Scholarship FAQs

How many students receive these awards?
Only a small group each year—for example, about 45 Urban Scholars are selected, and just a few Global or Burke Scholars.

Can these awards stack with automatic merit?
No. Full-tuition scholarships like Urban Scholars or Burke replace other Marquette merit awards. Smaller external/state awards may still stack.

Do test-optional applicants have a chance?
Yes—Marquette’s competitive programs look closely at GPA, rigor, leadership, and service. Test scores are optional but can strengthen an application if strong.

Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, provided students remain full-time, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and meet program requirements (e.g., service hours for Burke Scholars).

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

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?
Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship	$2,250/year	Wisconsin high school valedictorians and designated students	Yes – state process	Yes	WI students selected by their schools; stacks with Marquette merit
St. Ignatius Service & Leadership Scholarship	$2,500–$5,000/year*	Students with strong records of leadership and service in high school	Yes – via MU scholarship portal	Yes	Applicants who combine solid academics with deep service/leadership involvement*
Opus Scholars Program	Varies; typically $5,000–$10,000/year*	Incoming freshmen in the Opus College of Engineering with strong academics and demonstrated financial need	Yes – via Engineering/Financial Aid review	Yes (must remain in Engineering and in good standing)	High-achieving engineering admits with financial need; preference to first-gen or underrepresented students*
Ignacio Ellacuría, S.J. Dreamers Scholarship	Varies by need; typically $2,000–$10,000/year*	Incoming undocumented and DACA students with financial need	Yes – through Financial Aid Office	Yes (must remain in good standing)	Students with DACA or undocumented status who demonstrate financial need
Ralph H. Metcalfe, Sr. Scholarship	$1,000–$5,000/year*	Black students with financial need; sponsored by MU Black Alumni Association	Yes – donor/association nomination process	Yes	Black students demonstrating need and leadership potential*
ROTC Scholarship Enhancement	Up to $28,000 total (housing/meal support or tuition)	Students awarded national Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC scholarships	No – automatic with ROTC award	Yes	Cadets/midshipmen who maintain ROTC standing
Honors Study Abroad Scholarships	$750–$1,500 (one-time)	University Honors Program students applying for study abroad	Yes – Honors/OIE	No	Honors students pursuing rigorous abroad programs
Departmental Scholarships	$1,000–$10,000/year	Outstanding students in Business, Communication, Engineering, etc.	Yes – department application	Varies	Majors with strong portfolios or faculty recommendations
Pep Band & Symphonic Band Scholarships	$500–$2,000/year*	Students who audition and participate in MU Pep Band or Symphonic Band	Yes – audition required	Yes (must remain active in ensemble)	Talented musicians filling instrumental needs

*Dollar ranges for service/identity and band scholarships are based on donor/departmental reports and student-reported figures. Exact amounts vary by year and budget.

Hidden Gems FAQs

Do these stack with automatic awards?
Yes—most identity-based and donor scholarships can be added to Marquette merit awards. Large full-tuition scholarships (Urban Scholars, Burke) will replace them.

How do I apply for the St. Ignatius or Metcalfe scholarships?
Through Marquette’s financial aid office or donor nomination processes; deadlines vary.

Is the Dreamers Scholarship renewable?
Yes, as long as students remain enrolled and maintain good standing.

Are Pep Band scholarships guaranteed?
No—they depend on audition and the band’s needs each year.

⭐ College Specialty

Marquette is a Jesuit, Catholic university in Milwaukee that blends liberal arts traditions with strong pre-professional programs. While smaller than big state flagships, Marquette has carved out a national reputation in several areas—especially health sciences, business, and communication—where students connect directly to professional opportunities and alumni networks across the Midwest and beyond.

Standout Program:

College of Nursing — Consistently ranked among the top nursing programs in Wisconsin and nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report for undergraduate and graduate nursing. Known for high NCLEX pass rates and clinical placements across Milwaukee’s major hospital systems. (Note: Marquette is classified as a private R2 research university, not R1.)

College of Business Administration: Supply Chain Management program ranked Top 25 nationally by Gartner, with strong Midwest corporate partnerships.
College of Health Sciences – Physical Therapy: DPT program frequently rated among the Top 15–25 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Diederich College of Communication: Recognized statewide for Journalism and Media Studies; strong internship pipelines to Milwaukee and Chicago media.
Biomedical Engineering (joint with Medical College of Wisconsin): A distinctive MU–MCW partnership linking engineering with medical research and clinical collaborators.

Why this matters for families: These programs pair classroom learning with hands-on experience—think hospital rotations, Fortune 500 internships, newsroom practicums, and research labs. That mix helps students build résumés early, meet mentors, and convert junior-year experiences into job offers or graduate program placements.

🎖️ Honors College

Marquette offers the University Honors Program rather than a standalone Honors College. This program is open to high-achieving first-years by application and also admits current students who perform well during their first year. It emphasizes small seminars, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities to dive deeper into research and service-learning.

What a Typical Marquette Honors Student Looks Like:

High school GPA of 3.7+*, strong AP/IB or honors coursework, and a record of leadership, writing ability, and service. Current MU students can apply with a 3.5+ GPA after their first semester.

Honors Program Perks That Matter:

Priority registration for classes
Small, discussion-based seminars with faculty mentors
Dedicated honors housing options
Research funding and support for thesis projects
Honors-only study abroad opportunities

Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
University Honors Program	No direct scholarship (perks only)	Admitted high-achieving students or current students with 3.5+ GPA	Yes – separate Honors application required	N/A	Students with strong academics and writing/leadership records
Opus College of Engineering – Opus Scholars (Honors-linked)	$5,000–$10,000/year*	Engineering freshmen with financial need and strong academic record	Yes – considered with Engineering/Honors applications	Yes	High-achieving engineering admits who join the Honors cohort*

*GPA/test bands and award amounts are estimates based on past recipients and MU guidance. Exact thresholds are not officially published.

Honors FAQs

Is admission automatic for top students?
No. Even very strong applicants must submit a separate Honors application and essays.

Does Honors add extra time to graduation?
No—the seminars typically replace core curriculum classes, so students still graduate on time.

Are there scholarships tied to Honors?
Not directly, but students in programs like Opus Scholars (Engineering) or certain departmental awards may be linked to Honors participation.

When do I apply?
Incoming students apply at the same time as freshman admission; current MU students can apply after their first semester if they meet GPA requirements.

🔗 Official Links

✅ Final Thoughts

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.

✅ Last updated: August 27, 2025