Marshall University delivers well above average mobility outcomes while maintaining exceptional affordability. The university serves 37.8% Pell-eligible and 37.4% first-generation students with controlled costs and manageable debt levels, supporting degree completion across economic backgrounds with strong value-added performance.
Around the national average, driven by modest earnings levels despite strong value-added performance
With a well above average tier, reflecting controlled costs and manageable debt levels
With an above average tier, reflecting solid enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Also well above average, indicating strong outcomes relative to student demographics
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisMarshall University combines accessible education with strong affordability outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $46,354 ten years after enrollment, while earnings beyond expectations of $2,794 places Marshall in the 66.6th percentile nationally on this value-added measure.
Earnings range from $29,123 at the 25th percentile to $68,397 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines. Median student debt remains well-controlled at $23,250, compared to the peer median of $21,105, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50.
Students seeking affordable public education with strong affordability outcomes and well above average mobility. Marshall University serves first-generation students (37.4%) and Pell-eligible students (37.8%) effectively while maintaining accessible admission.
Best suited for students prioritizing manageable costs over high earnings potential.
Marshall University maintains open access admission with a 96.5% acceptance rate, meaning approximately 24 out of 25 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Marshall well above the peer median admission rate of 84.6%, making it significantly more accessible than typical public universities.
Open access admission means that most students who meet basic eligibility requirements can expect to be admitted, removing selectivity as a barrier to higher education. The high acceptance rate reflects Marshall's mission to serve West Virginia students broadly, particularly first-generation and lower-income students who may face other barriers to college attendance.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Marshall University's published cost of attendance is $21,299 per year, including $20,294 in out-of-state tuition (or $8,942 for West Virginia residents), $12,852 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $8,327 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,972 annually.
This net price places Marshall significantly below the peer median of $14,093, providing $5,766 in additional savings compared to similar public institutions. The substantial difference between sticker price and net price demonstrates Marshall's commitment to affordability through financial aid.
For West Virginia residents, the effective cost advantage is even greater given the lower in-state tuition base. The university's financial aid approach particularly benefits lower-income students, with net costs declining substantially as family income decreases.
This pricing structure supports Marshall's mission to serve first-generation and Pell-eligible students while maintaining accessibility across economic backgrounds. The controlled net price, combined with modest debt levels, creates favorable conditions for students seeking affordable public higher education in the region.
Applied Engineering.
23 graduates
Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician.
25 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
18 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
23 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
102 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama A & M University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#369 ranked) | AL | 66% | $40,628 | #369 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Marshall University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/marshall-university/analysis.
Well above average affordability and mobility outcomes
Marshall University ranks #376 nationally with strong affordability performance at the 85.9th percentile. This medium-sized public university in Huntington, West Virginia, maintains open access with a 96.5% admission rate while delivering well above average mobility outcomes.
Marshall enrolls 37.8% Pell-eligible students and 37.4% first-generation students, reflecting its commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds. Graduates earn $2,794 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 66.6th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $46,354 ten years after enrollment, placing Marshall at the 30th percentile for long-term earnings. Despite modest earnings levels, the university maintains exceptional affordability with low debt burdens and controlled net costs, supporting financial sustainability for graduates from all backgrounds.
For prospective students, this accessibility means that admission decisions typically focus on academic preparation and fit rather than competition for limited spots. Students should expect that meeting minimum GPA and standardized test requirements will likely result in admission.
This open access approach allows Marshall to serve 37.8% Pell-eligible and 37.4% first-generation students, supporting educational opportunity across diverse economic backgrounds. Applicants should focus on demonstrating readiness for college-level work and alignment with Marshall's programs rather than distinguishing themselves from other competitive applicants.
Marshall University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their careers. Median earnings rise from $39,561 six years after enrollment to $43,449 at eight years and $46,354 at ten years, representing 17.2% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 3,457 graduates, providing confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $2,794 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Marshall in the 66.6th percentile for earnings uplift relative to student demographics and program mix.
Low-income graduates earn $39,200, indicating solid outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings span from $29,123 at the 25th percentile to $68,397 at the 75th percentile, with the gap reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 22.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, while the majority enter the workforce directly. Compared to peer institutions with similar characteristics, Marshall graduates earn $3,762 less annually than the peer median of $50,116.
Marshall University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #22 nationally and #1 in West Virginia, producing 63 graduates with median earnings of $55,966 and an exceptional value score of 90.0.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates 102 students with median earnings of $62,166, ranking #258 nationally and #2 in West Virginia. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ranks #37 nationally and #1 in West Virginia, graduating 39 students with median earnings of $56,885 and a strong value score of 51.4.
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks #89 nationally but #1 in West Virginia, graduating 125 students with median earnings of $40,056. General Studies serves as one of Marshall's largest programs, graduating 195 students annually with median earnings of $36,014, ranking #88 nationally and #2 in West Virginia with a value score of 51.9.
State University Of New York At Cortland Similar quality tier (#368 ranked) | NY | 51% | $60,236 | #368 | Compare |
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania Similar quality tier (#366 ranked) | PA | 93% | $56,148 | #366 | Compare |
Kansas State University Similar quality tier (#372 ranked) | KS | 79% | $57,262 | #372 | Compare |
Oregon Institute Of Technology Similar quality tier (#373 ranked) | OR | 92% | $72,273 | #373 | Compare |
