Eastern vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than Marshall University based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 11,958 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Eastern vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern 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 Eastern ($8,076 vs. $12,279).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Kentucky University are 7.7% lower than at Marshall University ($12,268 vs. $13,292).
• Eastern Kentucky University is 12.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $1,158 more per year; $10,320.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Eastern than at Marshall University (about $888 more per year; $21,230.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University than at Marshall University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 17.3% larger than aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students ($13,448 vs. $11,468).

Eastern vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern 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 Eastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 50 points higher than at Eastern (980).
• Incoming Eastern 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: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Eastern (3.39).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Eastern (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Eastern vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern 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 Eastern Kentucky University's (38%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Eastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $561 lower median loan debt than Eastern graduates ($23,134 vs. $23,695).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern graduates ($239 vs. $245).
• More Eastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.