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Marshall University

Accept Rate
96.46%
Grad Rate
49.2%
Enrollment
7,149
Avg SAT
1051
Tuition
$8,942
Median Salary
$46,354
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Marshall University offers a close-knit, spirited atmosphere where students feel like they're part of a family rather than just a number. The campus buzzes with Thundering Herd pride, creating a welcoming and energetic environment in the heart of Huntington. You'll quickly find that the community support is genuine and the pace is manageable.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

96.46%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 105175th Pctl
8901130
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2275th Pctl
1824
1122436

Admissions Tips

As an applicant with a 96% acceptance rate, your primary focus should be on the application essay to showcase your personality and fit for Marshall. Highlight any commitment to community service or leadership, as the university values students who contribute to the campus spirit. Make sure to apply early to maximize your consideration for merit-based scholarships, which can significantly lower your cost.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1051
40080012001600
School range: 890โ€“1130

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Marshall shines in Health Professions and Education, offering robust programs with strong clinical and hands-on teaching opportunities. The university fosters accessible undergraduate research, particularly in Biology and Biomedical sciences, allowing students to work directly with faculty. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship from professors who are invested in your success.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
29.6%
Business & Marketing
15.7%
Education
6.8%
Psychology
6.5%
Biology & Biomedical
4.3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4%
Engineering
3.3%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.9%
Criminal Justice
2.8%
Computer Science
2.2%
Public Administration
2.2%
Communications
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

49.2%
Graduation Rate
78.7%
Retention Rate
7,149
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,942
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$8,327
After financial aid
Total Cost
$21,299
Cost of attendance/year
37.8%
Receive Pell Grants
45.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Huntington

Student life in Huntington is anchored by the vibrant downtown area, filled with local coffee shops, breweries, and Appalachian-inspired restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts love the proximity to the Ohio River and nearby state parks for hiking and kayaking. The city also hosts music festivals and arts events throughout the year, providing a cozy yet lively backdrop for college life.

Local Rent Check

$815 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Huntington
Explore Huntington

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$35,768
$0Est. 4 Years: $35,768

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($46,354):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is generally considered safe with a visible campus police presence and well-lit pathways. However, like any urban area, students are advised to remain aware of their surroundings in the surrounding city of Huntington, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly affordable tuition, especially for in-state students, leading to low debt upon graduation.
  • โœ“ Strong, tight-knit community with a high level of school spirit and support.
  • โœ“ Excellent programs in Health Professions and Education with practical, hands-on experience.
  • โœ“ Accessible admissions process makes college attainable for a wide range of students.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below the national average, indicating some student attrition.
  • โœ— Location in Huntington may feel isolated from major metropolitan hubs for some students.
  • โœ— The urban setting requires students to be proactive about safety off-campus.

Notable Alumni

Mike D'Antoni
Former NBA head coach and player, known for his high-paced offensive system.
Randy Moss
Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver and one of the greatest players in football history.
Jennifer Garner
Award-winning actress known for her roles in 'Alias' and '13 Going on 30'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marshall University is best known for its strong programs in Health Professions, Education, and Business. It is also recognized for its spirited student body, intense school pride centered around the Thundering Herd football team, and its significant role as a regional educational and economic hub in West Virginia.

No, Marshall University is not considered a selective school. With an acceptance rate of 96.46%, it is an accessible option for most applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1051, but the high acceptance rate means the university welcomes a broad range of academic profiles.

Campus life at Marshall is defined by a strong sense of community and school spirit. Students enjoy a traditional campus feel with a mix of Greek life, Division I athletics, and over 200 student organizations. The location in Huntington provides easy access to outdoor recreation and a cozy downtown scene for socializing.

Yes, Marshall University offers a very strong value proposition. With an average net price of $8,327 and a 10-year median earnings of $46,354, the return on investment is solid for a public university. The low in-state tuition and generous financial aid options make it an especially wise financial choice for West Virginia residents.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Marshall Health Cabell Huntington Hospital Amazon WVU Medicine Marshall University
Smart Start Score
52

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 9,147
  • In-State Tuition $8,942
  • Out-of-State $20,294
  • Zip Code 25755

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42.9% โ™€ 57.1%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $8,327 and in-state tuition under $9,000, Marshall offers exceptional affordability, particularly for West Virginia residents. The 10-year median earnings of $46,354 suggest a solid return on investment for a public university education. For out-of-state students, the value remains competitive compared to many other universities, especially when factoring in merit aid.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,942
Housing (12 mo) $9,780
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $25,922
With avg financial aid:
$8,327/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.