2025 admissions data

Marquette University Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 81.3% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 81 actually get in. No guessing. Marquette University is a UNIV institution located in Milwaukee, WI — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Marquette University is ideal for students seeking a Jesuit education with a strong emphasis on individual attention and community service. Those who thrive in smaller class environments and value a holistic approach to education will find a home here. However, students seeking a large, sprawling campus with a diverse international community might find Marquette limiting in terms of size and global reach. A critical trade-off is the university's commitment to its Catholic identity, which shapes the curriculum and campus culture, potentially deterring those seeking a purely secular experience.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

78.6%

Acceptance Rate

Women

83.5%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

18,701

Admitted

15,212

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Marquette University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math590–680

Reading610–680

ACT Score Range

English25–32

Math25–30

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

How to Interpret the Marquette University Acceptance Rate the Right Way

Searching for the Marquette University acceptance rate is often the first step students take when researching admissions. While the number itself is easy to find, interpreting it correctly takes a bit more nuance. Acceptance rates are averages, and averages rarely tell personal stories.

At Marquette University, an acceptance rate of 81.3% reflects a wide mix of applicants—some highly prepared, some just beginning to explore college options. This makes the number useful for context, but unreliable as a predictor of individual outcomes.

What Drives Acceptance Rates at Universities Like Marquette University

One major factor behind acceptance rates is applicant volume. When more students apply without fully meeting academic expectations, acceptance rates tend to rise. That doesn’t necessarily mean the university is lowering standards—it often means the applicant pool is broader.

At the same time, program-level demand plays a big role. Certain majors at Marquette University may be far more competitive than others, which means students applying to those programs experience a different admissions reality than the overall acceptance rate suggests.

Why Students Misjudge Their Chances

Many students assume a higher acceptance rate means admissions are straightforward. In reality, admissions decisions are contextual. Coursework rigor, academic consistency, and clarity of goals often matter more than the headline acceptance rate.

The smartest way to use the acceptance rate at Marquette University is as a planning signal. It helps students understand competitiveness at a high level, but real admissions outcomes depend on how well an applicant’s profile aligns with the university’s priorities.

Admissions Insight

One significant factor influencing student success at Marquette University is the Core of Common Studies program, which includes a set of foundational courses in areas such as rhetoric, sciences, and diverse cultures. This requirement encourages a well-rounded education and promotes critical thinking skills but also has implications for workload intensity. While some students appreciate the breadth of knowledge this curriculum offers, others may find it overwhelming, especially if they are accustomed to focusing solely on their major from the outset. The trade-off here is that while the Core courses could delay a student's deeper immersion in their chosen field, they can also enhance skills that are invaluable in a competitive job market. Moreover, Marquette's emphasis on service and the Jesuit principle of 'Cura Personalis' fosters a tight-knit community. This can result in stronger student-faculty relationships, where professors are invested in student success beyond academic performance. However, for students who prefer a more impersonal educational approach or independence, this level of engagement might feel intrusive. The university’s R2 classification for research activity also creates opportunities for collaboration, but students must navigate the balance between research involvement and academic duties to avoid burnout. Thus, potential Marquette students should consider their personal goals concerning educational structure and individual support when determining if this environment is the right fit.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: N/A

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: https://www.marquette.edu/explore/apply-today.php

Your Chances of Getting Into Marquette University

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Marquette University based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Deciding Whether Marquette University Is the Right Fit for You

Admissions research often starts with curiosity but ends with uncertainty. After reviewing acceptance data, many students are left wondering what to do next. Should they apply? Adjust expectations? Rebalance their list?

The answer depends on context. For applicants whose academic preparation aligns well with typical admitted students, Marquette University may represent a realistic and strategic choice. For others, it may require stronger positioning or serve as a more ambitious option.

How Strong Applicants Approach This Decision

Strong applicants don’t rely on a single metric. They consider how their coursework, interests, and goals match the university’s offerings. They also recognize that admissions decisions are influenced by demand patterns, not just qualifications.

Seen this way, admissions data becomes a guide for strategy. It helps students decide where to invest time, how to present their strengths, and how to build a balanced application list that reflects both ambition and realism.

Should You Apply to Marquette University?

If 81.3% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Marquette University

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Marquette University Acceptance Rate

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Marquette?

The student-to-faculty ratio at Marquette is approximately 11:1, which supports personalized attention and encourages meaningful faculty engagement for academic and career guidance.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Marquette University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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