Ferrum College vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 763 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Ferrum College vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum 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 Ferrum College ($8,076 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferrum College are 0.5% lower than at Marshall University ($13,230 vs. $13,292).
• Ferrum College is 211.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $19,358 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.2% higher at Ferrum College than at Marshall University (about $8,178 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at Marshall University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 156.1% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($34,444 vs. $13,448).

Ferrum College vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferrum College or Marshall University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Marshall University and Ferrum College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Ferrum College 880/1100; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresMarshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferrum College - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Marshall University students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Ferrum College (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Ferrum College vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Ferrum College vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College and Marshall University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $4,866 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($23,134 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($239 vs. $289).
• More Ferrum College 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.