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Marquette University Law School
Despite the steep tuition commonly associated with private law schools, Marquette University Law School offers many compelling options for its graduates, especially those wishing to stay and practice in Wisconsin or with a strong interest in sports law. As a tier two school, generating a ranking of #105 from US News reports, there is a good incentive to attend this school, especially for people interested in building a career in sports law.
Contents
History
Marquette University Law School began in 1892 when a small group of eleven students gathered to study law in Milwaukee. Led by two local attorneys, William H. Churchill, Sr., and Franklin Spies, the class was aptly named 'Milwaukee Law Class' and did not charge tuition for their services. By 1896, the scope of their instruction had expanded, and the name was changed to Milwaukee Law School.
The early twentieth century saw Marquette University looking to expand its academic offerings, and it acquired both the Milwaukee Law School and the financially strapped Milwaukee University Law School in 1908. Renamed Marquette University Law School, enrollment quickly doubled to 300 students by 1923, with five full-time professors and ten part-time instructors teaching various courses.
The school continued to grow, adding new buildings and facilities. In 1973, Marquette University Law School moved into its current location at Sensenbrenner Hall on the university's campus. Students take advantage of an extensive library, modern classrooms, and state-of-the-art technology here. Students can also take advantage of a wide range of legal clinics that provide pro bono legal services to Milwaukee's underserved communities. From its humble beginnings as the Milwaukee Law Class in 1892, Marquette University Law School continues to offer an excellent education today. The school has become one of the nation's most respected law schools, preparing students for successful careers in the legal profession. With its excellent reputation, Marquette University Law School will remain a legal education leader for years.
Admissions
Marquette University Law School seeks to ensure that all applicants have a fair opportunity to pursue an excellent legal education. Admissions officers use a holistic approach when evaluating applications, considering academic excellence, the applicant’s characteristics, professional experience, and commitment to the legal profession. The Law School looks forward to reviewing your application materials and helping you begin your journey as a law student at Marquette University. Best of luck with your application! If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 152 - 155 - 158 | 153 - 156 - 159 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.39 - 3.61 - 3.75 | 3.55 - 3.7 - 3.85 |
| Acceptance rate | 41% | 29.4% |
| Applications received | 1059 | 1584 |
| Acceptances | 482 | 466 |
| Matriculants | 195 | 193 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at Marquette University Law School, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 153 and 159 on the LSAT and had undergraduate GPAs between 3.55 and 3.85. The school received 1,584 applications, admitted 466 students, and enrolled 193, resulting in an acceptance rate of 29.4%. By comparison, for the 2023–2024 cycle, the LSAT middle range was 152 to 158, GPAs ranged from 3.39 to 3.75, with 1,059 applications, 482 acceptances, 195 matriculants, and an acceptance rate of 41%. These figures reflect a notable increase in applications alongside a more selective admissions process for the latest class.
Application Fee
Marquette University Law School encourages applicants to begin the process as early as possible, starting on September 1. The university utilizes a paperless application system to make applying for a JD degree more convenient and efficient for students. Candidates must apply online and use a credit or debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa) to pay the application fee of $50. LSAC credential reports will also be requested from all applicants. Hard-copy material submissions are not accepted, nor are cash, check, or money orders for payment. The Office of Admissions strongly recommends that candidates take advantage of the early application to ensure ample time for their materials to be reviewed. After submitting their application, students can check the status of their application materials, review admission decisions, and view scholarship award notifications through their online accounts.
Application Eligibility
Marquette University Law School's admission process requires prospective J.D. students to meet specific criteria to be eligible to apply. The applicant must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the LSAT-Flex within the last five years. Additionally, the applicant must subscribe to the LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which provides Marquette Law School with copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, an analysis of the student's academic performance, a copy of their LSAT writing sample, a letter(s) of recommendation, and LSAT scores. These components are necessary for Marquette Law School to consider a student's application. Once the applicant has completed all these steps, they will be eligible to apply and begin pursuing their J.D. degree at Marquette University Law School. By meeting the criteria listed above, students can start on their path to becoming a Marquette Law School J.D. student and an attorney!
Early Admission
Marquette University Law School provides two options for students looking to further their legal education; full-time and part-time. Those interested in applying to the law school are encouraged to take the LSAT by February, with applications due by April 1st. However, the Law School will accept applications after April 1st for both full-time and part-time candidates. This rolling admissions process ensures that all candidates can demonstrate their qualifications for the program. Whether you’re looking to attend full- or part-time classes, Marquette University Law School is here to help you reach your academic goals.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2025 academic year, Marquette University Law School’s tuition for full-time J.D. students is set at $50,950, reflecting a modest increase from the previous year. When factoring in living expenses, books, and personal costs, the total estimated cost of attendance is approximately $73,096, with on-campus living averaging $22,146. Financial aid plays a significant role in making this more affordable, as about 88% of students receive grants or scholarships, with average awards around $23,000. To apply for aid, students must first be admitted and then complete the FAFSA, after which they receive a Financial Aid Notification outlining their awards. In addition to need-based aid, Marquette offers merit-based scholarships for incoming students and awards for top-performing students after their first year. Graduates entering lower-paying public interest roles may also benefit from the Loan Repayment Assistance Program, helping ease the financial burden of pursuing a legal career.
Cost of Attendance
In 2025, the total cost of attendance (COA) for a full-time J.D. student at Marquette University Law School is approximately $73,096. This figure includes tuition and fees, living expenses such as housing, food, and personal costs, along with books, supplies, and transportation. Many students benefit from significant financial aid, with average grants and scholarships around $23,000, reducing the net COA to about $50,096.
| Category | 2025 Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $50,950 |
| Living Costs (room/board, personal + books, transport) | $22,146 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $73,096 |
| Average Grants/Scholarships | $23,000 |
| Estimated COA After Aid | $50,096 |
Scholarship
Marquette University Law School offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to its students. The Law School’s merit-based scholarships are awarded to many incoming students each academic year and do not require a separate application. All applicants offered admission to the Law School will be automatically considered for these awards. Award decisions began in February and admitted students eligible for a scholarship would be contacted directly by the Admissions Committee.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
Marquette University Law School offers an exceptional education with prestigious JD graduates that become highly sought after in the legal sector. On average, those who pursue their career in private fields make a median salary of $70,000 out of law school, while those who explore the public sector make a median income of $55,000. Compared to other schools, Marquette University Law School graduates have a higher rate of success; 64.4% of graduates work for law firms, 4.7% become clerks, and 8.1% go into public interest fields. Additionally, 98.2% of students pass the bar exam on their first attempt – a sign of the university’s commitment to excellence. Marquette Law School thus provides its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the legal world. With such promising statistics, it is no wonder that graduates from Marquette University are highly sought after. The school has set a high standard of excellence for generations of law students and proudly continues to do so. Studying at Marquette University Law School is a commitment to excellence and an investment in the future. With such promising post-graduation outcomes, it is no wonder why graduates of Marquette Law School are so highly sought after in the legal sector. The university provides its students with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful, setting a high standard of excellence for generations to come. With promising statistics and post-graduation outcomes, Marquette Law School is truly the place to be for any aspiring law student. No matter what career path you take after graduating from Marquette University Law School, you can be sure that you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. With a 98.2% success rate on first-time bar exams, you can rest assured that your degree from Marquette will provide the foundation for a successful legal career. The university has set a high standard of excellence and continues to do so for future law students. Marquette University Law School is sure to be an investment in your future. With such promising post-graduation outcomes, it’s no wonder that graduates of Marquette Law School are so highly sought after in the legal sector.
Academics and Curriculum
Marquette University Law School is renowned for its numerous specialty programs, particularly the sports law program, which is commonly regarded as one of the best in the country. Marquette offers various specialized courses and internships with Milwaukee's sports organizations; Marquette also publishes its own Marquette Sports Law Review. Additionally, they have vital programs in health care law, intellectual property law, and alternative dispute resolution. Despite its unique specialty programs and accomplishments, Marquette's Law School does not sacrifice numbers for quality, boasting a full-time enrollment of over 500 students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16.3-to-1. This ensures that each student can receive the necessary attention and resources to reach their full potential. Marquette University Law School offers its students a unique combination of excellence and opportunity, making it an ideal choice for aspiring lawyers.
Programs & Degrees
Marquette University Law School is a distinguished center of legal education, providing students with a comprehensive program designed to foster insight and knowledge. The faculty is dedicated to offering students an accessible and high-quality experience featuring on-demand video lectures, electronic exams, and full library access.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
- Advanced Legal Research
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Business & Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Estate Planning
- Family Law
- Health Care Law
- Intellectual Property & Technology Law
- International Law
- Labor & Employment Law
- Legal Analysis, Writing, & Research
- Litigation
- Public Interest Law
- Public Law
- Real Estate Law
- Sports Law
- Taxation
- Water Law
Experimental Learning
Marquette Law School is dedicated to producing qualified attorneys prepared to enter the field confidently. The school's experiential learning opportunities provide students with an array of chances to hone their legal skills in a realistic setting, explore potential career paths, and develop professional and personal excellence.
The Law School offers around 350 internships each year, including 75 clinics, internships, and fieldwork opportunities that are part of its curriculum. Through these programs, students can access courts of all levels, prosecution and defense offices, government agencies, and public interest organizations in Milwaukee's vibrant legal community.
Quality of Life
Milwaukee, one of the largest cities in the United States, is renowned for its vibrant culture and exciting attractions. For instance, Marquette Law School students can enjoy a plethora of activities and entertainment within reach of their campus; from cheering on their beloved Milwaukee Bucks or Brewers at the Fiserv Forum to exploring the Haggerty Museum of Art right on campus, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to its many attractions, Milwaukee is also known for its progressive attitude towards LGBT rights; it was the first major US city to pass a policy of non-discrimination regarding sexual orientation and has been ranked as one of America's top cities for lesbians by Girlfriends magazine. For those students looking to make the most of their time at Marquette Law, Milwaukee is an ideal location full of opportunity.
Although Milwaukee can be a bit cold in the winter, Eckstein Hall, the state-of-the-art new building slated for completion in Fall 2010 and located on campus, ensures that Marquette Law School students can remain comfortable no matter the weather. Additionally, violent crime within the city has decreased substantially since the 1990s, making Milwaukee a reasonably safe location for law school studies.
Overall, Marquette Law School provides its students with an outstanding academic experience in one of America's most culturally dynamic cities. With plenty to do and plenty of opportunity for success, Milwaukee is an ideal city for any law student looking to make the most of their time in school.
Synopsis
Marquette Law School has a strong brand name, especially within Wisconsin. Its graduates benefit from often not having to sit for the state bar exam. Still, this brand recognition does not necessarily translate into high salaries or even employment - a fact that must be weighed heavily against the cost of tuition. For those looking for employment within Wisconsin or neighboring states or those focused on sports law, Marquette Law School is an option to consider.
Contact Information
Marquette University
Law School
Admissions Office
1250 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: (800) 222-6544
https://www.marquette.edu/admissions/
Summary
| Established | 1908 |
| Location | Milwaukee, WI |
| Dean | Joseph Kearney |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 59th |
| LSAT Median Score | 156 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.7 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 0% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 69.9% (2025) |
| Cost | "$50,950 full-time,
$30,225 part-time" |
| Average Debt | $123,325 |
| Application Deadline | April 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
Marquette University Law School
https://www.marquette.edu/
Rank #59
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