Urban Scholars Program

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 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 financially disadvantaged backgrounds who show great academic promise and commitment to enhancing their community through intentional action and involvement. Review for this scholarship is based on academic merit and an assessment of demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA or Net Price Calculator. Citizenship is not a factor in the awarding of this scholarship.  

The award is renewable each year of the recipient’s four-year (eight-semester) undergraduate program, provided that the student remains in good academic standing and files the FAFSA or Net Price Calculator annually. A number of housing scholarships will be offered when available; for students who do not receive a housing scholarship, if eligible, the Federal Pell Grant may be applied to room and board. For additional program details about this award, review the applicable Award Information Guide, available from the Office of Student Financial Aid. 

Scholarship information

Award amount

  • Full tuition (45 awards available) 

Deadline

  • January 15 (apply for admission) 

Selection guidelines

  • Priority given to applicants from the city of Milwaukee 
  • Priority given to first-generation students (i.e., neither parent graduated from college) 
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in college preparatory courses 
  • Demonstrated leadership in curricular and extracurricular activities 
  • Students who identify as Black, African American or of African descent encouraged to apply 
  • Have need as determined by completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Net Price Calculator. For any scholarships or grants that require the FAFSA, undocumented, Dreamer and DACA students may fill out the Net Price Calculator for verification. 
  • International students are not eligible for this scholarship.
 

Lasting value. Lifetime values.

Marquette is consistently recognized as a best value in national media such as U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. But there’s more to a Marquette education beyond a great return on your investment. As a Catholic, Jesuit university, we measure success in the hearts and minds of our students, seeking to engage in them a mindset that looks beyond themselves and toward the benefit of others. Men and women for and with others, as we say in our mission, who go into the world ready to Be The Difference.

Why choose marquette?
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