Marshall University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marshall University is located in Huntington, WV (Small City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marshall University 16:1; Salem University 19:1.

Marshall University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marshall University or Salem 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 Salem University ($8,076 vs. $10,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 36.8% lower than at Marshall University ($8,400 vs. $13,292).
• Salem University is 29.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $2,738 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.9% higher at Marshall University than at Salem University (about $8,442 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Marshall University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 56.9% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($13,448 vs. $8,569).

Marshall University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Marshall University or Salem 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 Salem University and Marshall University.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marshall University - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.

Marshall University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marshall University and Salem 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 Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $3,484 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($23,134 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($239 vs. $275).
• More Marshall University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 27%)

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.