Marquette University Sees Rising Undergraduate Enrollment
The institution reports growth in student population for the fifth consecutive year as of fall 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in College Applications
Live Poll
Do you trust that growing university enrollment levels in your area will maintain student success?
Marquette University in Milwaukee has achieved a total student population of nearly 12,000, driven by a five-year streak of undergraduate enrollment increases. This fall, the university successfully welcomed 2,079 new first-year students to campus.
Why it matters
The sustained rise in enrollment reflects Marquette University's increasing appeal to prospective students as it balances high retention and graduation rates. This expansion strengthens the institutional footprint within the Milwaukee academic landscape.
The university saw undergraduate applications rise from 15,000 in 2021 to 20,000 in 2025. The current class boasts a 91.5% retention rate and a 74.2% four-year graduation rate.
The players
Marquette University
A private Catholic research university located in Milwaukee that serves thousands of students across undergraduate and graduate disciplines.
The details
New enrollments include 3,761 students in graduate and professional programs, while the College of Arts & Sciences added 578 students to its ranks. Notably, 75.2% of the first-year cohort hails from Wisconsin and Illinois.
Timeline
2021: University received 15,000 undergraduate applications.
2025: University received 20,000 undergraduate applications.
Fall 2026: University welcomed 2,079 first-year students.
2026-27 school year: Total undergraduate enrollment reached 8,238.
Culture Shift
Marquette University's consistent growth serves as a notable exception to the broader trend of enrollment decline in mid-sized private universities. This performance highlights a shift in institutional stability as smaller schools face demographic headwinds.
Prospective students in Milwaukee can anticipate increased competition for admission as application volumes grow. Residents may also observe a higher volume of students contributing to the local economy and housing market.
The takeaway
Maintaining a high retention rate of 91.5% is crucial for institutions looking to stabilize their long-term student populations. Students evaluating universities should prioritize data on four-year graduation rates to better gauge institutional quality and support.
Further reading
For additional context on local education trends, see Milwaukee College Applications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Marquette Wire.
Live Poll
Do you trust that growing university enrollment levels in your area will maintain student success?
