The Marquette University Urban Scholars Program exists to

  • Increase access to world-class education for Milwaukee area students
  • Intentionally diversify the lived experiences of the academic and social communities at Marquette University
  • Decrease loan indebtedness post-graduation and build a pipeline of students dedicated to giving back personally and professionally to their home communities.

As members of the Urban Scholars family, students become part of a community surrounded by academic and social resources which will help them become successful both inside and outside of the classroom. One-on-one wraparound advising, group tutoring, peer mentorship and individualized academic coaching sessions facilitated within the Office of Student Educational Services provide a solid basis for academic success at every level. In addition, the Program executes a Scholar-centered social and cultural calendar created to develop the skills, abilities and thought processes of the Scholars to transform them into the leaders our urban communities deserve and need.

Urban Scholars Program Commitment

As a Catholic, Jesuit university located in an urban environment, Marquette University is committed to educating talented students from its surrounding community. Inspired by this commitment, the university proudly sponsors the Marquette University Urban Scholars Program, which provides up to forty (40) full-tuition scholarships to graduates from the Milwaukee area. The scholarship is renewable each year for four years (eight semesters) provided that the student remains in good academic standing. A set number of housing scholarships will be offered when available. For students that do not receive these housing scholarships, Federal Pell Grant funds are eligible to be applied towards room and meals.

The Urban Scholars Program seeks but is not limited to first-generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who show great academic promise and commitment to enhancing their community through intentional action and involvement. The scholarship is based on academic merit and assesses demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Net Price Calculator. Citizenship is not a factor in the awarding of this scholarship.

Our focus is on high school seniors:

  • From the City of Milwaukee - preferred
  • First-Generation - preferred
  • High Achieving (3.0 in HS preparatory curriculum)
  • Demonstrative history of leadership and service in and/or outside of school
  • Demonstrated financial need - preferred