Division I Spirit Meets Career-Ready Academics and Dance
Marquette University scores 86/100, placing it solidly in GOOD FIT territory with exceptional strengths in academics, campus culture, and sp...
AI Recommendation
Marquette University scores 86/100, placing it solidly in GOOD FIT territory with exceptional strengths in academics, campus culture, and special requirements. The university offers outstanding alignment with all four academic interests (marketing/business, psychology, pre-law, pre-PT) through strong, dedicated programs. The campus culture is ideal - vibrant school spirit, active social scene, NOT a commuter school, and minimal Greek influence. The Division I Dance Team offers clear walk-on opportunities. However, one critical concern prevents this from being a STRONG FIT: Milwaukee's climate directly contradicts the student's love of sunshine, with only 189 sunny days annually and long, gray winters November-March. The urban location provides good nature access via lakefront but lacks dramatic landscapes. Despite the weather concern, the university's strengths in academics (35/40), culture (29/30), and dance opportunities (9/10) make it a recommended option, particularly if the student can tolerate or adapt to Midwest winters.
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Performance vs. Average College
Score Breakdown
Top Strengths
7
- 1 All four academic interests have strong, dedicated programs with excellent career outcomes (91% placement within 6 months)
- 2 Outstanding school spirit with Division I athletics and vibrant campus life - definitively NOT a commuter school (90% freshmen on campus)
- 3 Division I Dance Team with explicit walk-on opportunities through open tryouts
- 4 Excellent student support with 13:1 ratio, personalized Jesuit mentorship model, and 47% of classes under 20 students
- 5 Strong internship culture (85% participation) with access to Fortune 500 Milwaukee companies
- 6 Minimal Greek influence (6-8%) with social scene centered on organizations, athletics, and urban activities
- 7 Urban location with Lake Michigan access provides both city amenities and nature opportunities
Things to Consider
6
- 1 CRITICAL: Milwaukee climate with only 189 sunny days/year and long, gray, cold winters (November-March) directly conflicts with student's love of sunshine
- 2 Nature access limited to urban parks and lakefront - lacks mountains or dramatic hiking opportunities
- 3 High cost of attendance ($64,000+) with average graduate debt of $38,000
- 4 Some introductory classes reach 40-50 students despite overall good ratio
- 5 Moderate economic diversity (18% Pell Grant) may feel homogeneous
- 6 Strong Midwest regional focus may limit geographic diversity
Detailed Research
Internships
Strong internship culture with 85% of students completing at least one internship. Located in Milwaukee provides access to Fortune 500 companies including Northwestern Mutual, Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, and Rockwell Automation. Business school has dedicated internship coordinator
Avg Class Size
Upper-level classes average 20-25 students. Introductory courses can reach 40-50 students but many sections kept smaller. 47% of classes have fewer than 20 students
Teaching Style
Jesuit educational model emphasizes personalized attention and mentorship. Mix of lecture and discussion-based learning. Strong emphasis on experiential learning, service learning, and internships. Business school particularly focuses on case studies and real-world applications
Academic Support
Extensive support services including: Writing Center, tutoring through Academic Resource Center, supplemental instruction for difficult courses, disability services, academic advising assigned to each student, and peer mentoring programs
Career Placement
91% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Average starting salary approximately $58,000. Strong regional placement in Midwest
Program Rankings
- No formal pre-law major but strong advising program. Philosophy, Politics & Law (PPL) major specifically designed for pre-law students. High law school acceptance rates historically
- College of Business Administration is AACSB-accredited. Marketing program is well-regarded within the business school. Ranked #89 in Best Undergraduate Business Programs by U.S. News 2024
- Strong program with clinical psychology PhD ranked in top 100 nationally. Undergraduate program offers research opportunities and applied learning
- U.S. News #89 National Universities (2024)
- Exercise Science program in College of Health Sciences. Direct entry Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) available. Program has 100% first-time board pass rate
Student Faculty Ratio
13:1
Greek Life
Limited Greek presence - approximately 6-8% of students involved in Greek life. Social scene does NOT revolve around fraternities/sororities. Social life centers more around residence halls, student organizations, athletic events, and Milwaukee activities
Social Scene
Active and diverse social scene. Over 300 student organizations. Strong service/volunteer culture (Jesuit mission). Mix of on-campus events and off-campus Milwaukee activities. Popular neighborhoods include Third Ward and Brady Street. Generally described as friendly, welcoming community. Work-hard, play-hard mentality
School Spirit
Very strong school spirit. Division I Big East athletics - men's basketball is major focus with Fiserv Forum games drawing huge crowds. Students camp out for tournament tickets. Strong traditions include Midnight Madness, Spirit Week, and rivalry with Wisconsin. Blue and gold colors worn proudly throughout campus
Retention Rate
90% freshman retention rate
Graduation Rate
82% six-year graduation rate
Weekend Activity
Active weekend campus. NOT a commuter school - approximately 90% of freshmen live on campus and about 40% of all undergrads live on campus. Milwaukee location provides entertainment options. Campus programming includes concerts, comedy shows, and events. Some students go home on occasional weekends but campus remains vibrant
Political Climate
Moderate to slightly left-leaning. As a Jesuit Catholic institution, emphasis on social justice and service. Mix of political viewpoints represented. Generally described as respectful and open to dialogue. More moderate than many peer institutions
Setting
Urban campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Campus is defined and walkable (approximately 93 acres) with clear boundaries but integrated into city neighborhood. Mix of historic and modern architecture. Near downtown Milwaukee
Sunny Days
Milwaukee averages 189 sunny days per year (U.S. average is 205). Climate is four-season continental with cold, snowy winters (average high in January: 28°F) and warm summers (average high in July: 81°F). Winter can be challenging for sunshine-lovers - overcast and gray November through March
Nature Access
Lake Michigan is immediately adjacent to campus - lakefront trail excellent for running/biking. Lake Park (1 mile away) offers 138 acres of wooded trails and bluffs. Bradford Beach nearby. Milwaukee County Parks system extensive. Limited hiking compared to mountainous regions but good urban nature access. Kettle Moraine State Forest about 45 minutes away for more substantial hiking
Transportation
Campus shuttle system (LIMO) connects campus locations. Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses available with student discount. Uber/Lyft active in Milwaukee. Zipcar available on campus. Many students have cars (parking available but limited for freshmen). Campus is walkable and bikeable
Nearest Airport
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) - approximately 15 minutes/9 miles south of campus. Direct flights to major hubs. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is 90 miles south - approximately 90 minutes drive
Surrounding Area
Milwaukee is Wisconsin's largest city (population ~590,000). East Side neighborhood surrounding campus is young and vibrant with restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment. Third Ward (arts district) and Brady Street (eclectic neighborhood) popular with students. City has revitalized significantly - Summerfest (world's largest music festival), Milwaukee Art Museum, professional sports (Brewers, Bucks), brewery tours, and food scene. More affordable than Chicago with Midwestern friendly culture
Dance Team
Marquette has the Golden Eagles Dance Team (also called MU Dance Team). They perform at men's and women's basketball games and other athletic events. Division I level team. Team holds tryouts typically in April/May. Walk-on opportunities ARE available through open tryouts. Team is competitive but not as intense as some D1 programs - balance between spirit squad and competitive dance. Team competes at UDA College Nationals
Recreation
Excellent recreation facilities. Valley Fields Sports Complex includes recreation center with fitness equipment, basketball courts, indoor track, climbing wall, and group fitness classes. Helfaer Recreation Center has additional courts and facilities. Intramural sports are very popular (flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, etc.). Club sports available including dance team alternatives. Outdoor programs offer kayaking, camping trips, and outdoor adventures
Food Quality
Dining services managed by Sodexo. Multiple dining halls including Mashuda Hall (main dining hall with various stations), Cobeen Hall dining, and Straz Tower dining. Retail options include Starbucks, Qdoba, Chick-fil-A, and others. Generally rated as average to above-average by students. Meal plan required for students living on campus. Milwaukee restaurant scene provides excellent off-campus options
Campus Beauty
Attractive urban campus with mix of Gothic/historic buildings (Johnston Hall, Gesu Church) and modern facilities. Joan of Arc Chapel (15th century chapel relocated from France) is campus centerpiece and iconic. Well-maintained grounds with quads and green spaces. Lake Michigan views from parts of campus. Recent construction has modernized facilities while maintaining character. Not a traditional 'pretty' campus like rural settings but beautiful for urban environment
Housing Quality
Variety of residence halls with different styles. Newer halls (Straz Tower - opened 2017, Mashuda Hall - renovated) are high quality with suite-style living and AC. Older traditional halls (O'Donnell, Cobeen) are more basic but community-focused. Most freshmen in traditional doubles. Housing guaranteed for freshmen and sophomores. Many juniors/seniors move to off-campus apartments in surrounding neighborhoods. Campus apartments available for upperclassmen
Dance Team Contact
Contact through Marquette Spirit Squads: spiritsquads@marquette.edu or through Department of Athletics. Dance Team coach information typically posted on athletics website during tryout season. Cheer and Dance office: 414-288-6960
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