Mars Hill University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, NC with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia State University is larger than Mars Hill University based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 1,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mars Hill University is located in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mars Hill University 11:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Mars Hill University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mars Hill University or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Mars Hill University ($11,055 vs. $18,925).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mars Hill University are 9.3% lower than at West Virginia State University ($12,258 vs. $13,522).
• Mars Hill University is 294.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $28,166 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 151.7% higher at Mars Hill University than at West Virginia State University (about $22,746 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at West Virginia State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 245.4% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($31,066 vs. $8,993).

Mars Hill University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mars Hill University or WVSU? 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 WVSU and Mars Hill University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mars Hill University - Test-free; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Mars Hill University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Mars Hill University (67.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at Mars Hill University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Mars Hill University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mars Hill University and WVSU? 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).

• Mars Hill University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from West Virginia State University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,700 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Mars Hill University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mars Hill University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 35%)

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.