Bluefield State University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield State University is located in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield State University 13:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Bluefield State University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University or Marshall 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 Marshall University than Bluefield State University ($8,076 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 13.4% lower than at Marshall University ($11,512 vs. $13,292).
• Bluefield State University is 16.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $1,486 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.7% higher at Marshall University than at Bluefield State University (about $1,966 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University as at Marshall University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 37% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($13,448 vs. $9,814).

Bluefield State University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluefield State University or Marshall 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 Marshall University and Bluefield State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 870/1080; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 17/22; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Marshall University (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.8% at Bluefield State University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Bluefield State University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield State University and Marshall 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).

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $4,134 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($19,000 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($196 vs. $239).
• More Marshall University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 30%)

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.