GSU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Governors State University in University Park, IL with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Marshall University 16:1.

GSU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU 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 GSU ($8,076 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 11.7% lower than at Marshall University ($11,736 vs. $13,292).
• Governors State University is 31% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $2,842 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.5% higher at Marshall University than at Governors State University (about $8,338 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Governors State University (97% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 17.4% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($13,448 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU 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 GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 80 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Marshall University (3.68).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

GSU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU 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).

• Graduates from Governors State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $5,884 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($17,250 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($178 vs. $239).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.