ETSU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Tennessee State University is larger than Marshall University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 11,958 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Tennessee State University 15:1; Marshall University 16:1.

ETSU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ETSU 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 ETSU ($8,076 vs. $16,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 20.6% lower than at Marshall University ($10,554 vs. $13,292).
• East Tennessee State University is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $1,310 more per year; $10,472.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.1% higher at Marshall University than at East Tennessee State University (about $5,820 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at East Tennessee State University (97% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 33.1% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($13,448 vs. $10,101).

ETSU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ETSU 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 ETSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Tennessee State University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming ETSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Marshall University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 980/1200; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 19/26; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ETSU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than ETSU (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at ETSU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

ETSU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ETSU 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).

• The graduation rate at ETSU is the same as at Marshall University (44% vs. 44%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $200 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $2,634 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($211 vs. $239).
• More ETSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.