Students at Marquette University achieve remarkable earnings outcomes, with low-income graduates earning more than at virtually any other institution nationwide.
The university consistently delivers top-tier financial results that place it among the strongest performers for long-term graduate earnings.
Marquette University delivers exceptional long-term value for students who can access it, combining the academic rigor of a selective private institution with some of the strongest earnings outcomes in the country. Located in Milwaukee, this medium-sized Catholic research university serves about 19% Pell Grant recipients and 19% first-generation students, reflecting a more selective student body while still maintaining meaningful access for diverse backgrounds.
What sets Marquette apart is its remarkable ability to launch graduates into high-earning careers. With median 10-year earnings of $78,257, the university ranks in the 94th percentile nationally for long-term financial outcomes. Graduates consistently achieve strong results across fields, from nursing and engineering to business and liberal arts, with many students earning well above $75,000 within a decade of enrollment.
As a private research university with strong Catholic identity and urban Milwaukee location, Marquette offers the personalized attention of a medium-sized institution combined with the career networks and academic resources typically found at much larger universities. For families who can manage the higher net prices, Marquette represents one of the most reliable pathways to substantial long-term financial success among private institutions nationwide.
Marquette University's program portfolio demonstrates strength across multiple high-value fields, with particular excellence in health sciences, engineering, and life sciences. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both a large program with 145 graduates and a strong earnings generator, producing graduates who earn $62,885 and contribute significantly to the university's overall return on investment. Biology represents the largest single program with 200 graduates, though early-career earnings of $33,352 reflect the field's typical trajectory toward higher-paying roles after additional training or experience.
Engineering programs deliver some of Marquette's highest individual earnings outcomes. Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earn $68,592 early in their careers, demonstrating the university's strength in technical fields that connect directly to high-demand industries. Even programs like Criminology, which show more modest early earnings at $35,518, benefit from Marquette's strong alumni networks and career services that help graduates advance into leadership roles in law enforcement, legal services, and public policy.
The university's program mix reflects a balanced approach between professional preparation and liberal arts education, with strong outcomes across diverse fields rather than concentration in just a few high-earning majors. This breadth ensures that students can pursue their academic interests while still accessing the career networks and support systems that drive Marquette's consistently strong long-term earnings outcomes.
Marquette University graduates achieve exceptionally strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $78,257, ranking in the 94th percentile for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects both the university's academic strength and its ability to connect students with high-value career opportunities across multiple industries and geographic markets.
The university's strongest financial returns come from programs like Adult Health Nursing, which combines high enrollment with solid median earnings of $62,885, making it a key economic driver for the school. Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $68,592, while Biology represents the largest program footprint with 200 graduates. Even fields like Criminology, which typically show more modest early-career earnings at $35,518, benefit from Marquette's strong alumni networks and career support services that help graduates advance over time.
Marquette's return on investment remains compelling across its diverse academic portfolio. The university has produced over 2,700 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating broad-based success rather than outcomes concentrated in just a few high-earning majors. This consistent performance across fields reflects the institution's ability to prepare students for career advancement and long-term financial stability regardless of their chosen field of study.
Affordability at Marquette University varies significantly by family income, reflecting the typical pricing structure of selective private institutions. Low-income students pay about $18,364 annually after aid, which represents substantial financial support but still requires meaningful family contribution or borrowing. Middle-income families face net prices around $24,176, while high-income families pay approximately $34,465 per year, positioning Marquette in the lower tier nationally for affordability.
The university's aid strategy focuses on making attendance possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining the revenue needed to support its academic programs and campus resources. Most students who borrow take on federal loans, with typical debt levels around $23,940 for students and $38,249 for families using Parent PLUS loans. These amounts reflect the higher cost structure of private education but remain within ranges that Marquette's strong earnings outcomes can typically support.
What makes Marquette's pricing sustainable for many families is the institution's track record of delivering strong long-term financial returns. With graduates earning well above national averages and loan repayment rates remaining strong, families often find that the upfront investment pays dividends through enhanced career opportunities and earning potential that justify the higher initial costs compared to public alternatives.
Marquette University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
