Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI · founded 1881 · 11,500 students · private research university · Big East

Known for: Marquette University is a prominent Jesuit Catholic university recognized for its strong programs in business, engineering, health sciences, and law, as well as its successful NCAA Division I basketball program. It emphasizes cura personalis (care for the whole person) and service.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #83
QS World: #801
Times Higher Education: #601
Forbes: #178

Top programmes

Business
Engineering
Nursing
Law
Biomedical Sciences
Communications

Notable alumni

Chris Farley — Comedian and actor, former cast member of 'Saturday Night Live'
Dwyane Wade — NBA Hall of Fame basketball player
Patricia Heaton — Emmy Award-winning actress ('Everybody Loves Raymond')
John C. Reilly — Academy Award-nominated actor
Michael J. Garanzini — President Emeritus of Loyola University Chicago
Donna Shalala — Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
Steve Rushin — Sports journalist and author

Traditions

Al's Run & Walk (charity event)
Marquette Madness (basketball season kickoff)
Mission Week
Christmas Tree Lighting
Paint the Town (community service)

If Marquette University were…

As a food: Wisconsin cheese curds from Sobelman's — Midwest comfort food with local pride, unpretentious but satisfying, best enjoyed with friends after a game, and represents the blue-collar warmth and community-first values of Milwaukee.
As an athlete: Dwyane Wade — Marquette's most famous alum, carried his team to glory on the national stage, loyal to his roots, and represents the scrappy, hardworking ethos of both the school and the city.
As a person alive today: Chris Farley — Midwestern Catholic upbringing, big heart with genuine warmth, brought joy to everyone around him, and balanced hard work with a don't-take-yourself-too-seriously attitude that defines Marquette's vibe.
As a historical figure: Al McGuire — Legendary Marquette basketball coach who won a national championship, built community through sports, was fiercely loyal, and embodied the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis—care for the whole person.
As a movie or TV show: Hoosiers — Underdog Midwest basketball story, tight-knit community rallying around their team, values of hard work and faith, and the belief that small-town (or mid-major) grit can beat the big names.
As a US president: Gerald Ford — Midwestern, unpretentious, steady and reliable, stepped up when called, and represented decency and service over flash—values that match Marquette's Jesuit mission and Milwaukee roots.
As a city: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Rust Belt city with strong Catholic and working-class roots, passionate sports culture, undergoing urban renewal, and a place where people are proud, loyal, and don't need coastal validation.
As an element: Iron — Strong and dependable, forms the backbone of structures, abundant and unpretentious, and represents the blue-collar work ethic and service-oriented strength of Marquette's Jesuit mission.
As a car: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited — Rugged, community-focused, and ready for service trips—Marquette embodies Jesuit values with Midwest grit, Big East basketball, and students who volunteer as much as they tailgate. It's Milwaukee-tough with a moral compa

Campus life

Campus life is spirited and community-oriented, with a strong focus on service, academics, and Marquette basketball. Social life revolves around campus events, student organizations, and exploring Milwaukee. The Jesuit values foster a welcoming and engaged atmosphere.