Class of 2026 is largest, most diverse in past several years
With 2,027 incoming students committed to join the Class of 2026 as of National Decision Day, May 1, Marquette University is poised to bring in one of its largest first-year classes in recent years. Although not the official incoming class census for fall 2022, the figure represents a 21.5% year-to-date increase over 2021.
Brian Troyer, dean of undergraduate admissions, attributes the success, in part, to his team’s mission-based, personalized approach to working with students and families.
“From a return to fully in-person recruitment events to text and social media campaigns, prospective and admitted students were able to truly experience what makes Marquette special,” Troyer says. “I cannot understate how important it is for students to have the opportunity to personally experience our campus and interact with members of the Marquette community, including our faculty, staff, current students, and alumni. Recruiting the Class of 2026 was truly a collaborative effort that we can all be proud of.”
Among their many outreach efforts, Troyer and his team held recruitment dinners and receptions in 26 cities, they welcomed to campus more than 4,600 admitted student visitors (an 86% increase over last year), and they hosted a record 652 students at Admitted Student Days.
Undergraduate enrollment was a Beyond Boundaries strategic priority during the 2021-22 academic year, with a focus on expanding student market share, enhancing financial aid packages and introducing a new undergraduate admission notification date in December in place of rolling admissions.
The Class of 2026 will replace one of Marquette’s largest classes ever that is graduating in May 2022, meaning overall undergraduate enrollment levels will stay about the same.
Diversity of student body improves
Based on the current numbers, just over 30% of the incoming class identifies as a student of color, a 10.5% increase over last year. The number of Black or African American students increased by 32% and Hispanic/Latino students increased by 4%.
True to the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission and heritage, first-generation students make up over 23% of the incoming class, and 186 students hail from Jesuit high schools, the most in recent years.
New class demonstrates academic excellence
Importantly, Marquette increased its class size and furthered its commitment to academic excellence. The incoming class boasts an average GPA of 3.57 — the same as last year — and standardized test scores for those who submitted them improved. The class’s average SAT score is 1275, a 6-point increase over last year, and their average ACT score increased 0.4 points to 27.9.
Additionally, an impressive 14% of the Class of 2026 has been accepted and committed to the Honors Program.
Increased enrollment from Illinois
Geographically, more students in the class hail from our neighbor to the south, with nearly 41% coming from Illinois. A third of the class is from Wisconsin.
All told, students are headed to Marquette from 44 domestic states, three U.S. territories and 12 countries.
