AAMU vs. Mars Hill University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alabama A & M University is larger than Mars Hill University based on total student enrollment (7,295 students vs. 1,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Mars Hill University is in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Mars Hill University 11:1.

AAMU vs. Mars Hill University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or Mars Hill University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Alabama A & M University than Mars Hill University ($17,152 vs. $18,925).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama A & M University are 7% lower than at Mars Hill University ($11,402 vs. $12,258).
• Mars Hill University is 276.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than AAMU (about $27,712 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $10,024.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.5% higher at Mars Hill University than at Alabama A & M University (about $19,102 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $18,634.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Alabama A & M University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 141.9% larger than aid received by Alabama A & M University students ($31,066 vs. $12,844).

AAMU vs. Mars Hill University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or Mars Hill University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Mars Hill University and AAMU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 810/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; Mars Hill University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mars Hill University students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at AAMU (3.02).
• Mars Hill University has a higher acceptance rate (67.9%) than AAMU (58%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at AAMU vs. 31.1% at Mars Hill University.

AAMU vs. Mars Hill University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and Mars Hill University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Mars Hill University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Alabama A & M University's (32%).
• Graduates from Alabama A & M University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,300 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mars Hill University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($27,000 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, Mars Hill University graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($279 vs. $361).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.