Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
87.4% Acceptance Rate
Marquette University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
87.4%Acceptance Rate
3.56Avg GPA
1306Avg SAT
29Avg ACT
$63,233Annual Cost
$78,257Grad Salary
18.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
87.4%
Avg GPA
3.56
Avg SAT
1306
Avg ACT
29
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1190–1360
ACT Middle 50%
26–31
Need-Based Aid
18.8% receive Pell
Marquette University is a private, Catholic, Jesuit research university in Wisconsin known for its commitment to excellence, service, and leadership. Admissions are competitive, favoring students who demonstrate strong academic rigor, a history of service, and the potential to embody the "Cura Personalis" (care for the whole person) philosophy. Applicants should emphasize their desire to integrate professional expertise with a commitment to the common good.
Marquette University Acceptance Rate
Marquette University runs an open-access admission policy. With a 87.4% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 87.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.11
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Marquette University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Marquette University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 82 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 1
Decision by: December 15
Early Decision II
January 15
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: March 15
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Marquette University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Marquette University is 3.56. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.26 and 3.56? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.76–3.96.Marquette University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.16 – 3.35
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.15
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Acceptance rate is approximately 81%; Marquette is test-optional with a holistic review process weighing essay, activities, and recommendations alongside academics.
- Admission is direct-entry into 1 of 7 undergraduate colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Nursing), each with distinct curriculum prerequisites.
- Separate supplemental essays are required for direct-entry programs including Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Athletic Training, and Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
- Early Action deadline is November 15 (non-binding, decisions by late December); Regular Decision deadline is February 1 (decisions by March 1).
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Marquette University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Marquette University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Marquette University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Marquette University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Marquette University Without SAT or ACT?
Marquette University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Marquette University Average SAT Score: 1306
The average SAT score of admitted students at Marquette University is 1306 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1306 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean, without being in elite-tier territory.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1360 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Marquette University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1190, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Marquette University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 635 | 590 | 680 |
| SAT Reading | 640 | 600 | 680 |
| SAT Composite | 1306 | 1190 | 1360 |
Below 1190, you're behind most admitted students; at 1360 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Marquette University with a 1350 SAT?
A 1350 SAT puts you ahead of most of Marquette University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Marquette University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Marquette University is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 29 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 29 |
| ACT English | 29 | 25 | 32 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 26 | 31 |
Can I get into Marquette University with a 31 ACT?
A 31 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Marquette University's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Marquette University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Marquette University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Marquette University takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Choose your first- and second-choice colleges deliberately, not as a formality
Marquette uses direct admission - you apply into one of seven specific colleges (e.g., Nursing, Engineering, Business), not as an undeclared student - and you select a first- and second-choice college on your application. If you're not admitted to your first choice, you're automatically considered for your second, so pick a genuinely viable second option rather than listing two reach colleges with identical odds.
Align your senior-year course schedule with your target college's specific stated prerequisites
Each Marquette college has distinct curriculum expectations: College of Nursing requires biology and chemistry with four years of science strongly recommended; Opus College of Engineering requires pre-calculus with physics recommended; College of Business prefers four years of math with an emphasis on pre-calculus. Build your final high school schedule around your target college's specific list, not a generic well-rounded transcript.
Write a genuine "why this profession" essay if applying to PT, OT, or Athletic Training
Beyond the general application essay, Marquette requires program-specific supplemental essays for direct-entry programs like the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Athletic Training, and Doctor of Occupational Therapy - each asking specifically what experiences led you to that profession. These are evaluated as true "why this field" essays, not generic personal statements, so ground your response in concrete experiences (shadowing, injury, caregiving) rather than abstract interest.
Apply Early Action if you want to be considered for the Honors Program
Marquette explicitly recommends Early Action (November 15 deadline) for students interested in the Honors Program, with decisions released in late December - well ahead of the February 1 Regular Decision deadline. Applying EA gives you a real time advantage to pursue Honors-specific next steps before most Regular Decision applicants have even heard back.
Expert Insight:
Applicants frequently write a single generic essay for Marquette and reuse it across every program - but because Marquette evaluates you against the specific college you're entering, an essay with no connection to your stated major (especially for Nursing, Engineering, or one of the direct-entry health professions programs) reads as a mismatch to reviewers, even when the writing itself is strong.
Marquette University Profile
Full Name
Marquette University
City
Milwaukee
State
Wisconsin
ZIP Code
53233
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Marquette University Degree Worth It?
At $63,233/year against a $78,257 median graduate salary, Marquette University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $75,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.89%.
How much does a degree from Marquette University Cost?
The sticker price is $63,233/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
18.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 40.3% take federal loans at Marquette University. File your FAFSA early and list Marquette University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Marquette University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $78,257. That's about 93% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Marquette University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Marquette University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Marquette University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Marquette University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Marquette University Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Marquette University run about $78,257 a year.
At about $63,233 a year, Marquette University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
Marquette University's Pell Grant rate of 18.8% sits below the national average. Merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 87.4%, Marquette University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Marquette University average a 3.56 GPA.
Marquette University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.26 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.16, Marquette University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Marquette University — aim above 1306, ideally within the 1190–1360 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Marquette University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 15.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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