Marshall University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marshall University is located in Huntington, WV (Small City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marshall University 16:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Marshall University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marshall University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced ($8,076 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marshall University are 38% lower than at University of California Merced ($13,292 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 70.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $6,461 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.9% higher at UC Merced than at Marshall University (about $29,481 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at University of California Merced (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 102.9% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($27,292 vs. $13,448).

Marshall University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Marshall University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced and Marshall University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Merced (1050) is 20 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming Marshall University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at UC Merced (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marshall University 910/1150; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marshall University 19/24; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marshall University - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at UC Merced (3.55).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than UC Merced (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.1% at Marshall University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Marshall University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marshall University and UC Merced? 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).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Marshall University's (44%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $3,235 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($19,899 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($205 vs. $239).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.