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 45 full-tuition scholarships to high school seniors from the Milwaukee area.

The Urban Scholars Program seeks but is not limited to first-generation college students from Milwaukee with financial need who show great academic promise and commitment to enhancing their community through intentional action and involvement. Consideration for this scholarship is based on academic merit, demonstrated leadership and service, and financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Net Price Calculator. 

The award is renewable for four years (eight semesters), provided that the student remains in good academic standing, meets the program expectations and files the FAFSA or Net Price Calculator annually. A limited number of housing and food plan awards may be available through the Equity in MKE fund for a student's first two years on campus (up to four semesters). For students who do not receive a housing scholarship, if eligible, Federal Pell Grant and the Wisconsin Grant may be applied towards housing and meals. Please contact Marquette Central for questions regarding individual financial aid options, marquettecentral@marquette.edu.

Award Criteria:

  • Demonstrated academic excellence with preferred minimum 3.40 GPA (unweighted)
  • Live in Milwaukee County and/or attend a high school in the City of Milwaukee
  • Preference will be given to first-generation college students
  • Demonstrated history of and commitment to leadership & service in and outside of school
    • To be considered, students interested in the Urban Scholars Program must submit a one-page document or résumé outlining their leadership and service activities.
  • Demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Net Price Calculator
  • Added consideration is given to students who participated in college preparatory programs connected to Marquette University

Admitted students who meet the award criteria will find the scholarship in their admitted student portal.

Questions? Contact us! 414.288.7787 | muurbanscholars@marquette.edu 

Apply to Marquette and the Urban Scholars Program