Murray State University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Murray State University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University 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 Murray State University ($8,076 vs. $10,182).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 16.4% lower than at Marshall University ($11,112 vs. $13,292).
• Murray State University is 8.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $738 more per year; $9,900.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.6% higher at Marshall University than at Murray State University (about $506 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Marshall University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 5.4% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($14,178 vs. $13,448).

Murray State University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Murray State University 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 Murray State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming Murray State University 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: Murray State University 940/1170; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Murray State University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University 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).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $1,634 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($222 vs. $239).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.