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Marshall University vs West Virginia State University

Marshall University is a public university in Huntington, WV, and West Virginia State University is a public university in Institute, WV. Both admit about 96% of applicants. Marshall University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $7,502 a year against $11,139 at West Virginia State University. About 50% of students graduate at Marshall University, compared with 36% at West Virginia State University. Ten years after enrolling, Marshall University alumni earn a median of about $46,354, against $40,492 for West Virginia State University.

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Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public

West Virginia State University

Institute, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Huntington, WV
Institute, WV
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,266
1,321
Acceptance rate
96%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1150
760–1040
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
15–20
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,502
$11,139
Full cost / yr
$22,022
$19,772
In-state tuition
$9,162
$9,570
Out-of-state tuition
$20,342
$14,990
Application fee
$40
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,648
$9,457
$30k - $48k
$4,430
$10,225
$48k - $75k
$6,837
$10,703
$75k - $110k
$11,227
$13,798
Over $110k
$15,076
$17,355
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
36%
Freshman retention
72%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,561
$32,849
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,354
$40,492
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$23,338
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
20%
First-generation students
37%
43%
International students
1%
5%
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 West Virginia State University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 96% of applicants. 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 West Virginia State University?
Marshall University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,502 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $11,139 at West Virginia State 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 West Virginia State University?
Before aid, West Virginia State University costs about $19,772 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 West Virginia State University?
Marshall University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,648 there, against about $9,457 at West Virginia State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Marshall University or West Virginia State University?
Marshall University is the larger of the two, with about 7,266 undergraduates against 1,321 at West Virginia State University.
Does Marshall University or West Virginia State University have a better graduation rate?
Marshall University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 36% at West Virginia State University.
Do graduates of Marshall University or West Virginia State University earn more?
Marshall University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,492 for West Virginia State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Marshall University and West Virginia State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Marshall University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. West Virginia State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Marshall University and West Virginia State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1150 at Marshall University and 760–1040 at West Virginia State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school