Central Washington University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Central Washington University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($8,076 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marshall University are 19.3% lower than at Central Washington University ($13,292 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $255 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.3% higher at Central Washington University than at Marshall University (about $7,184 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Central Washington University (97% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 52.5% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($13,448 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central Washington 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 Central Washington University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Washington University (1040) is 10 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Central Washington University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington 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).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $2,397 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($20,737 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($214 vs. $239).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 43%)

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.