Columbia College vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Columbia College vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College 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 Columbia College ($8,076 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 29.4% lower than at Marshall University ($9,390 vs. $13,292).
• Columbia College is 142.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $13,052 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.2% higher at Columbia College than at Marshall University (about $1,872 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College as at Marshall University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($16,451 vs. $13,448).

Columbia College vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College 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 Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Columbia College (3.56).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Columbia College (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Columbia College vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $2,130 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($23,134 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($239 vs. $261).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.