Marquette Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide

Marquette Acceptance Rate Trends: 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026

Marquette’s admission rate has declined as its application pool has expanded. The change is meaningful: the university admitted almost nine out of ten applicants in Fall 2023, compared with fewer than eight out of ten in Fall 2025.

On smaller screens, swipe horizontally to see the entire comparison table.

From Fall 2023 to Fall 2025, the acceptance rate fell by approximately 9.5 percentage points. During that time, applications increased by about 28%. Marquette’s August 2026 Class of 2030 announcement also reported a third consecutive year with more than 20,000 completed applications.

That does not mean an applicant with the same GPA suddenly has a fixed percentage less chance of admission. The applicant pool changes every year, and admission decisions are made individually. It does mean families should be cautious about websites still describing Marquette as an almost automatic admission based on older figures.

Sources: Marquette historical Common Data Sets and the official Class of 2030 announcement.

Does Marquette Admit Wisconsin, Out-of-State and International Students at Different Rates?

One of the more revealing figures in Marquette’s 2025 Common Data Set is its applicant breakdown by residency. The university reported separate totals for Wisconsin applicants, other U.S. applicants and international applicants.

This table is useful but easy to misinterpret. The out-of-state applicant group had a slightly higher recorded acceptance rate than Wisconsin applicants. That does not prove Marquette gives a preference to applicants from outside Wisconsin.

In fact, its Common Data Set marks state residency and geographic residence as not considered in general first-year admission decisions. Differences between applicant-group rates can reflect different applicant qualifications, academic interests and application patterns.

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Marquette?

Marquette’s Fall 2025 Common Data Set reports an average high school GPA of 3.60 among enrolled first-year students. Its public admitted-student profile reports an average of 3.65. Both figures are official, but they describe different reporting groups.

GPA distribution of students who actually enrolled

An average is helpful, but it hides how students are spread across grade ranges. The Fall 2025 Common Data Set provides a more practical breakdown.

In total, about 68% of enrolled students reported a GPA of at least 3.50, and approximately 96% reported at least 3.00. These are distributions of students who enrolled—not acceptance rates for applicants with particular GPAs.

How to interpret your own GPA

Does class rank matter?

Marquette marks high school class rank as considered, rather than very important. Among the Fall 2025 enrolled students whose high schools supplied class-rank information, 28% were in the top tenth, 64% in the top quarter and 95% in the top half.

Only 24% of entering students had class-rank information reported. That distinction is important: you should not describe 95% of every Marquette freshman as being in the top half based on a subset of students who reported rank.

Review Marquette’s official GPA and college preparation profile.

Marquette SAT and ACT Scores: What Is Competitive in 2026?

Marquette remains test-optional for domestic and international undergraduate applicants. Applicants can choose whether to submit ACT or SAT scores, and the university states that applying without scores does not result in a penalty in admission or scholarship consideration.

For a current benchmark, use the score distribution published in its 2025–26 Common Data Set. It reflects students who enrolled in Fall 2025 and submitted scores.

The middle 50% is not a required testing range. It describes the central half of the score-reporting students. Students above and below that range were enrolled. Students who did not submit standardized tests are not represented in these score percentiles.

Should you submit a 1200, 1300 or 1400 SAT?

A score near 1300 is around the median of the reported SAT-submitters, and a score around 1360 is at the published 75th percentile. Those can be useful benchmarks.

A student with a 1200 should not automatically decide against submitting, particularly if the score supports academic readiness or is strong relative to opportunities at their high school. But if the result does not reflect the rest of an otherwise strong academic record, test-optional application may be worth considering.

The same reasoning applies to ACT scores. An ACT of 28 matches the reported median, but Marquette does not publish a rule stating that students below 28 should withhold their scores.

Special ACT and score submission details

Marquette accepts ACT results with or without the Science subsection; the university’s current score submission policy does not require the ACT Science subsection for admission consideration. Applicants can upload a screenshot, photo or scanned score report through the application portal, email it to admissions, or send official scores from the testing agency.

Also, Marquette’s general admitted-student profile displays older/differently grouped averages of 1250 SAT and 27.5 ACT. Those are not the same thing as the Fall 2025 CDS enrolled-student median of 1300 SAT and 28 ACT. Mixing these figures without explaining the population is why college-statistics websites sometimes appear inconsistent.

Official references: test-optional policy, score submission instructions and 2025–26 CDS, section C9.

What Does Marquette Actually Consider in Admission Decisions?

Marquette describes its review as holistic, but its Common Data Set goes further: it identifies how much weight different factors receive in general first-year decisions. This is more useful than generic advice telling every student to improve every part of an application equally.

What this means in practice

Suppose one student has a high SAT score but a weaker record in challenging math and science courses. Another has a slightly lower test score but consistently strong grades in a demanding curriculum. Marquette’s published priorities suggest that course rigor and academic performance deserve careful attention.

That does not tell us which student will be admitted. It tells us what to emphasize when preparing: an academically convincing transcript, an honest essay, and meaningful extracurricular or service activities.

A revealing detail: Marquette marks volunteer work as important while it marks religious affiliation as not considered. A student’s work in a community food program, tutoring initiative or other service setting can offer relevant evidence of commitment without requiring a particular religious background.

Are Nursing, Engineering and Business Harder to Get Into at Marquette?

Marquette has a key feature that generic acceptance-rate articles often overlook: direct admission into one of seven undergraduate academic colleges. Applicants can identify both a first-choice and second-choice college. If they are not admitted to the first, Marquette says they will automatically be considered for their second choice.

This matters because the university-wide 78% rate covers all first-year applicants. It is not a published acceptance rate for nursing, engineering, business or any individual major.

If your first-choice college has stronger science or math expectations, selecting a genuine second-choice college may offer another admission route. However, do not select a second-choice college merely as a way to enter Marquette and assume an internal transfer will be automatic later.

Source: Marquette’s seven-college admission profile.

Marquette Application Deadlines for Fall 2027 Entry

Students searching for “Marquette acceptance rate 2026” are often preparing applications during the 2026–27 admissions season, which means starting college in Fall 2027. The deadlines below apply to that upcoming first-year admission cycle.

Does Early Action improve the Marquette acceptance rate?

Marquette’s published Common Data Set confirms that it offers nonrestrictive, nonbinding Early Action and does not offer a binding Early Decision plan. It does not provide a reliable separate first-year Early Action acceptance rate in the cited admission figures.

Therefore, it would be misleading to claim that students applying by November 15 have a particular percentage-point admissions advantage. Apply early when the application is strong and complete; do not sacrifice the quality of your transcript information or essay simply to submit faster.

Official links: first-year deadlines and requirements, Core Honors application dates and 2027–28 FAFSA priority deadline.

Marquette Application Requirements: What You Actually Need to Submit

Marquette’s general first-year undergraduate application is free. There is no ordinary first-year application fee, and Marquette’s admissions bulletin states that both domestic and international undergraduate applicants may apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores.

Application deposits after admission

Marquette’s undergraduate bulletin lists a $200 tuition deposit and, if university housing is desired, a $300 housing deposit. These are applied toward first-term charges and are listed as nonrefundable. Applicants should verify the dates and amounts in their individual admission letter before submitting payment.

Source: Marquette undergraduate admission bulletin.

How to Build a Strong Marquette Application Without Trying to Look Perfect

A 78% admit rate can tempt students to rush the application. That would be a mistake, particularly when applications have been growing. You do not need an artificial list of ten leadership titles or an essay about a dramatic life event. You need to help a reader understand what you have done, what you care about, and how you are ready for your chosen college.

Marquette Transfer Acceptance Rate: Is Transferring Easier?

Marquette’s Fall 2025 Common Data Set reported 624 transfer applicants, 401 admitted transfers and 134 enrolled transfers. That produces a calculated transfer acceptance rate of approximately 64.3%.

The rates should not be treated as interchangeable. Transfer candidates have an established college record, need to fit degree requirements and may face different course sequencing or available space. An applicant’s major and transferable credits matter.

Important transfer rules

• Marquette lets transfer applicants apply through the Common Application or Marquette application without an application fee.
• Official transcripts from every college attended are required.
• Students with fewer than 30 earned college credits must submit a final high school transcript.
• Applicants with 30 or more earned credits do not need the final high school transcript for the initial admission decision, although it is requested before attendance.
• ACT/SAT scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular lists and personal statements are not generally required on the current transfer application page, though optional materials may be reviewed.
• Marquette reports that transfer decisions are usually posted about three to four weeks after the application becomes complete.

For transfer entry, Marquette currently lists July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring. Scholarship-application priority dates are earlier: March 15 for fall and October 15 for spring. Check the transfer page for the cycle you plan to enter.

Credits should be checked with Marquette’s evaluation process and transfer credit resources, including Transferology. A course transferring for credit does not necessarily mean it satisfies the exact requirement for your intended major.

Official Marquette transfer application and deadlines.

Marquette Waitlist Acceptance Rate: What Happened in Fall 2025?

Being placed on the waitlist can be frustrating because the student has done the work but still does not have a firm answer. Marquette’s Common Data Set provides a useful historical reference.

Those figures refer to Fall 2025. Marquette’s report also identifies its waitlist as unranked. The 13.1% figure is not a prediction of what will happen to a student waitlisted in the 2026 or 2027 cycle.

For context, Marquette’s Fall 2023 Common Data Set reported 200 waitlist offers and 70 later admissions. That variation is a reminder that waitlist movement depends on the particular year’s enrollment needs, not a stable guaranteed percentage.

International Applicants: Acceptance Rate and English Requirements

Marquette’s Fall 2025 international applicant group had a calculated 65.4% admission rate—1,022 admits from 1,563 applicants. That rate is lower than its 78.0% overall rate, but it does not identify the probability for a particular country, school curriculum, academic college or individual applicant.

International students should prepare the same general academic and application materials as other applicants, while also checking language proficiency and immigration documentation applicable to their situation.

English language evidence

Marquette’s Office of International Education publishes accepted English-language evidence for applicants whose native language is not English. Its listed examples include:

English proficiency rules, exemptions and program requirements may vary. Confirm the test format and accepted evidence with the university before paying for an examination, particularly because TOEFL score reporting changed in 2026.

Marquette Office of International Education: Application Materials.

What About the Marquette Honors Program?

Admission to Marquette University and admission to the Core Honors Program are not the same decision. Core Honors is a separate opportunity available to students who have been admitted through Marquette’s early application process.

The Honors Program says it does not set a minimum GPA, SAT or ACT threshold for Core Honors admission. Students may submit written material explaining their engagement with Honors goals or choose an interview with a current Honors student.

For the 2027 entry cycle, the published deadlines are January 15, 2027 for requesting an interview and February 1, 2027 for a written application. Honors decisions are expected in the first week of March.

Official Core Honors application guidance.

Affordability Matters After Acceptance

Getting admitted is exciting, but receiving the offer is only part of the decision. Marquette is a private university, and families need to compare scholarships, grants, housing expenses, loans and the final annual cost before committing.

Applicants who apply without SAT or ACT scores are still considered for merit aid, including the Père Marquette Scholarship. Marquette says those scholarships are determined through admission and can be renewable for eligible students who continue to meet their award requirements.

For 2027–28, Marquette’s FAFSA priority deadline is February 1, 2027. Students seeking need-based aid should complete the FAFSA and respond promptly if Marquette requests additional documentation.

What should families compare in the financial aid letter?

• Gift aid: Scholarships and grants that do not need to be repaid.
• Loans: Borrowed money, not a tuition discount.
• Scholarship renewal: Required enrollment, academic progress and maximum eligible semesters.
• Housing and meals: The amount actually expected to be paid, not simply an estimated living allowance.
• Four-year affordability: How manageable the cost remains after the first year.

Marquette’s official 2026–27 financial aid guide provides rules for merit scholarships, institutional grants and student aid. Students can also use the university’s net price calculator before making their final enrollment decision.

Marquette Financial Aid Guide.

Milwaukee-Specific Tips Before Choosing Marquette

A university’s acceptance rate cannot show what it feels like to study there. Marquette occupies an urban campus just west of downtown Milwaukee, and that setting is part of the college experience. Students should spend time assessing both their intended academic college and their comfort living in the surrounding environment.

Visit your actual academic environment

A general campus tour is useful, but a student applying to Engineering or Nursing should try to learn about that college’s laboratories, advising, clinical or experiential requirements and facilities. Students interested in Communication or Business should ask about internships and academic opportunities tied to Milwaukee’s professional community.

This is also a good time to ask whether your preferred program permits changing majors easily, and whether a change would affect the time needed to graduate.

Understand student transportation and safety services

Marquette offers EagleExpress, a university transportation service that provides free evening and nighttime rides in its campus service area. The currently published service generally operates from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m..

Marquette also lists the Milwaukee Intermodal Station as an approved off-campus EagleExpress location. This can be useful for students traveling by Amtrak or intercity bus, although service boundaries and pickup rules should be checked before travel.

Because Marquette is an urban campus, students should learn its safety resources and surrounding travel patterns rather than assume the university functions like an isolated suburban campus.

Campus visits are for your decision, not admissions points

Marquette’s Fall 2025 Common Data Set classifies demonstrated interest as not considered for general undergraduate admission. So a tour should not be presented as a secret way to raise your acceptance chances.

Visit because four years in Milwaukee is a major decision, and you deserve to know whether the campus feels right.

Useful official resources: schedule a campus visit, visitor parking guidance, and EagleExpress information.

Beyond Getting In: Student Outcomes and the Class of 2030

Acceptance rates describe the entry point, not the full college experience. Marquette’s institutional updates also provide context about who enrolls and how students progress after the first year.

Retention and graduation statistics are outcome measures for earlier student cohorts, not promises for the entering Class of 2030. They are still useful when evaluating whether the university has the support systems a student may need.

Sources: official Fall 2025 enrollment and outcomes report and Class of 2030 report.

Official Marquette Admission Sources and Research Documents

The acceptance-rate calculations in this guide come from university-reported application and admission totals, not from an unsourced prediction. The following materials are useful for verifying statistics, application policies and student-specific requirements.

Research note: Overall acceptance rates are calculated from completed first-year applications and admission offers for the same entering class. Student GPA distributions and SAT/ACT percentiles describe enrolled students unless otherwise stated. Admission-rate calculations are rounded to one decimal place. All figures are subject to later university revisions.