New America Report Claims Marquette Redirects Low-Income Families Toward Risky PLUS Loans
A New America report names Marquette University among 41 colleges allegedly steering low-income families toward high-interest Parent PLUS loans while granting aid to wealthier students; the study notes 34% of Pell Grant recipients who left or graduated in 2020–21 also borrowed PLUS loans, with an average debt of $30,089, while the university awarded about $22,000 in non-need-based grants. Marquette says the PLUS loan option is shown separately to help families understand options and cites affordability efforts; experts warn that financial‑aid leveraging can drive up costs and reward wealthier families.