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Marshall University vs Salem University

Marshall University is a public university in Huntington, WV, and Salem University is a private for-profit university in Salem, WV. Marshall University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 100% at Salem University. Marshall University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $7,502 a year against $12,303 at Salem University. About 50% of students graduate at Marshall University, compared with 24% at Salem University. Ten years after enrolling, Marshall University alumni earn a median of about $46,354, against $34,642 for Salem University.

Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public

Salem University

Salem, WV · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Huntington, WV
Salem, WV
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
7,266
892
Acceptance rate
96%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1150
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,502
$12,303
Full cost / yr
$22,022
$18,650
In-state tuition
$9,162
$11,900
Out-of-state tuition
$20,342
$11,900
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,648
$9,886
$30k - $48k
$4,430
$10,753
$48k - $75k
$6,837
$11,154
$75k - $110k
$11,227
$14,107
Over $110k
$15,076
$14,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
24%
Freshman retention
72%
55%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,561
$31,612
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,354
$34,642
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$24,694
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
75%
First-generation students
37%
54%
International students
1%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Marshall University or Salem University harder to get into?
Marshall University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 100% at Salem University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Marshall University or Salem University?
Marshall University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,502 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,303 at Salem University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Marshall University and Salem University?
Before aid, Salem University costs about $18,650 a year and Marshall University about $22,022. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Marshall University or Salem University?
Marshall University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,648 there, against about $9,886 at Salem University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Marshall University or Salem University?
Marshall University is the larger of the two, with about 7,266 undergraduates against 892 at Salem University.
Does Marshall University or Salem University have a better graduation rate?
Marshall University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 24% at Salem University.
Do graduates of Marshall University or Salem University earn more?
Marshall University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,642 for Salem University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Marshall University and Salem University require SAT or ACT scores?
Marshall University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Salem University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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