Marquette University

Marquette University's ROI score of -62 suggests that the financial return on investment may not be strong, with median earnings not fully offsetting the cost of attendance and debt.

Marquette University has a strong graduation rate of 81.7%.

Marquette University has an admission rate of 81.3%, indicating it is not highly selective.

The median earnings for Marquette University graduates 10 years after entry are $78,257.

Based on the provided ROI score of -62, the cost of attending Marquette University may not be fully justified by the financial outcomes for many students.

Marquette University's admission rate hovers around 81.3%, indicating that it is a moderately selective institution. While not as competitive as highly selective universities, admission is not guaranteed. To increase your chances, focus on presenting a strong academic profile. This includes maintaining a solid GPA, typically in the B+ to A- range, and demonstrating rigor in your coursework, such as taking AP or IB classes if available. Standardized test scores, if submitted, should be competitive; the middle 50% of admitted students often score in the range of 1100-1300 on the SAT or 23-29 on the ACT. Beyond grades and scores, Marquette values a well-rounded applicant. Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, demonstrate leadership, and articulate your interests and goals clearly in your application essays. Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors who know you well can also significantly bolster your application. Early application options, like Early Action, can sometimes provide a slight advantage by showing demonstrated interest. Overall, while the acceptance rate is high, a focused and well-prepared application is key to securing admission.

Marquette University's value proposition is a nuanced one. With an out-of-state tuition of $51,170 and a median 10-year earning of $78,257, the immediate financial return appears modest, especially considering the median debt of $23,940. The reported ROI score of -62 suggests that, on average, graduates may not see a rapid financial return compared to national averages. However, this statistic doesn't capture the full picture. Marquette's strong alumni network, particularly within the Midwest, and its dedicated career services can facilitate access to stable, well-compensated careers in fields like healthcare, finance, and engineering. For students who strategically leverage these resources and secure positions in higher-paying sectors or in regions with a higher cost of living, their earning potential can significantly exceed the median. The debt-to-earnings ratio is generally manageable; the median debt is approximately 30% of the median annual earnings. This means a graduate earning $85,000 annually could potentially pay off their debt within 3-4 years, assuming reasonable loan interest rates and living expenses. Therefore, while Marquette may not be a 'get rich quick' investment, it can offer solid long-term value for students who are focused on career outcomes and utilize the university's extensive support systems.

Marquette University excels in several key areas, making certain majors particularly strong choices. The College of Health Sciences is highly regarded, with programs like Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and Nursing consistently ranking well and feeding into a robust regional healthcare job market. Graduates from these programs often find immediate employment at major Milwaukee-area health systems like Froedtert Health and Aurora Health Care. The College of Business Administration is another standout, particularly its programs in Finance, Accounting, and Commercial Real Estate. These majors benefit from strong ties to Milwaukee's financial sector, with companies like Northwestern Mutual and Baird actively recruiting Marquette students. For those interested in engineering, the College of Engineering offers strong programs in Mechanical, Electrical, and Biomedical Engineering, attracting employers such as GE Healthcare and Rockwell Automation. The College of Arts and Sciences also offers solid programs, with English, Psychology, and Political Science providing a good foundation for graduate studies or diverse career paths. Ultimately, the 'best' major depends on individual interests, but programs with strong industry connections and high demand, particularly in health sciences and business, tend to offer the most direct career advantages.

Student life at Marquette University is characterized by its vibrant campus community, rooted in its Jesuit tradition and urban setting. The university fosters a strong sense of belonging through numerous student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports. With over 200 student organizations, there's something for nearly every interest, from academic clubs and cultural groups to volunteer initiatives and recreational sports. As a Division I athletic program, Marquette's Golden Eagles teams, particularly men's basketball, generate significant school spirit and provide exciting entertainment options. The campus is located in the heart of Milwaukee, offering students easy access to the city's cultural attractions, restaurants, festivals, and professional sporting events. This urban integration means student life extends beyond campus boundaries, providing ample opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, and exploration. Socially, Marquette strikes a balance between campus-focused activities and city engagement. While there are many events and gatherings on campus, students are also encouraged to experience Milwaukee. The university emphasizes community service, reflecting its Catholic, Jesuit mission, with many students participating in local outreach programs. Overall, student life is active, community-oriented, and enriched by its dynamic urban environment.

Marquette University is committed to making its education accessible through a variety of financial aid options. A significant portion of students receive some form of financial assistance. For the most recent academic year, approximately 97% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students received financial aid. This aid comes in various forms, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal loans, and work-study programs. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, while need-based aid is determined by a student's financial circumstances as assessed through the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Federal aid, such as Pell Grants and federal student loans, is also a major component. Marquette also offers specific scholarships tied to particular programs or demographics. While the average financial aid package can vary widely, it's designed to help bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and a family's ability to pay. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA and, if applicable, the CSS Profile by the priority deadlines to maximize their eligibility for all types of aid. The university's financial aid office provides resources and counseling to help students navigate the application process and understand their options.

The salary expectations for Marquette University graduates vary significantly by major and industry. The university reports a median 10-year earnings figure of $78,257, but this is an average across all alumni. Graduates from high-demand fields often see higher starting salaries. For instance, those in the College of Health Sciences, such as nursing or physical therapy graduates, can expect strong starting salaries, often in the $60,000-$80,000 range, with significant potential for growth within major healthcare systems in the region. Engineering graduates, particularly in fields like biomedical or electrical engineering, typically start in the $65,000-$85,000 range, with opportunities at companies like GE Healthcare and Rockwell Automation. Business graduates, especially in accounting and finance, can also command competitive starting salaries, often between $55,000-$75,000, with pathways to higher earnings in the financial services sector. Graduates pursuing advanced degrees in law or medicine will have different earning trajectories. It's important to note that geographic location also plays a role; salaries in Milwaukee may be lower than in major coastal cities, but the cost of living is also considerably less. Leveraging Marquette's strong alumni network and career services can significantly enhance earning potential by connecting graduates with higher-paying opportunities.

Marquette University offers a range of on-campus housing options designed to support student success and community building. First-year students are typically required to live on campus, ensuring a foundational experience within the university community. The university boasts several residence halls, each with its own character and amenities. Traditional residence halls like Cobeen Hall and McCormick Hall offer double-occupancy rooms with shared floor bathrooms, fostering a communal living environment. Newer facilities, such as Straz Hall and The Commons, provide suite-style living with private bathrooms shared among a small group of students, offering a bit more privacy. All residence halls are equipped with basic furnishings, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and common areas for studying and socializing. Many halls also have dedicated Resident Assistants (RAs) to provide support and programming. Marquette emphasizes safety, with secure building access and 24/7 campus safety patrols. While the dorms provide a convenient and integrated living experience, students often describe them as comfortable and conducive to forming friendships, though room size can be typical for university housing. Upperclassmen have options for on-campus apartments or can choose to live off-campus in the surrounding Milwaukee neighborhoods.

Marquette University provides undergraduate students with numerous opportunities to engage in research, particularly within its strong STEM and health science programs. While it may not be classified as a top-tier R1 research institution like some larger public universities, Marquette actively encourages faculty-mentored research. Undergraduates can get involved through various avenues, including the Undergraduate Research Symposium, which showcases student work, and specific programs like the Summer Research Program. Faculty across departments, from biomedical engineering and chemistry to psychology and political science, often seek undergraduate assistants for their research projects. Students can initiate contact with professors whose research interests align with their own. While opportunities might be more concentrated in fields like the College of Health Sciences (e.g., research in physical therapy, biomedical sciences) and the College of Engineering (e.g., materials science, robotics), research is accessible across the curriculum. The university invests in research infrastructure, providing labs and resources necessary for meaningful inquiry. For students seeking hands-on research experience that complements their coursework and prepares them for graduate studies or research-oriented careers, Marquette offers a supportive and accessible environment.

Marquette University occupies a distinct niche when compared to its peers. It is often considered alongside other private Jesuit universities like Loyola University Chicago and Creighton University, as well as strong regional public institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Compared to Loyola Chicago and Creighton, Marquette shares a similar commitment to Jesuit values and often offers comparable programs in business and health sciences. However, Marquette's urban Milwaukee location provides a different campus feel than Loyola's Chicago campus or Creighton's Omaha setting. Against UW-Madison, Marquette offers a more intimate, private university experience versus a large public research university. While UW-Madison might have broader name recognition and a larger research output, Marquette often excels in providing more personalized attention and a stronger sense of community. In terms of outcomes, Marquette's alumni network is particularly strong within Wisconsin and the broader Midwest, potentially offering more targeted regional opportunities than a large public university with a more dispersed alumni base. Its sticker price is higher than UW-Madison's in-state tuition but competitive with other private institutions.

Employers generally hold a positive view of Marquette University graduates, particularly within the Midwest. The university has cultivated a reputation for producing well-prepared, diligent, and ethically grounded professionals, largely due to its Jesuit tradition and strong emphasis on career development. Companies in Milwaukee and the surrounding region, such as Northwestern Mutual, GE Healthcare, Rockwell Automation, and Froedtert Health, actively recruit Marquette students and alumni, indicating strong employer recognition and trust in the quality of education and the caliber of graduates. Marquette's career services are often cited as a key asset, helping to connect students with internships and full-time positions, which in turn builds employer familiarity with the university's talent pool. The alumni network is also a significant factor; engaged alumni often advocate for Marquette graduates within their organizations. While Marquette might not have the same level of national brand recognition as Ivy League or other top-tier research universities, its graduates are highly valued for their practical skills, work ethic, and readiness for the workforce, especially in fields like business, engineering, and health sciences.