GWU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Marshall University 16:1.

GWU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU 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 GWU ($8,076 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 14.2% lower than at Marshall University ($11,410 vs. $13,292).
• Gardner Webb University is 279.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $25,598 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.9% higher at GWU than at Marshall University (about $14,418 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Marshall University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 101.4% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($27,088 vs. $13,448).

GWU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU 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 GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming GWU 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: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Marshall University (3.68).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

GWU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU 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).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $1,835 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($23,134 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($239 vs. $258).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.