NSU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern State University 19:1; Marshall University 16:1.

NSU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 NSU ($8,076 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern State University are 20.3% lower than at Marshall University ($10,600 vs. $13,292).
• Marshall University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $317 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.3% higher at Marshall University than at Northern State University (about $8,395 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University as at Marshall University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 108.8% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($13,448 vs. $6,441).

NSU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 40 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming NSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Marshall University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 980/1160; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at NSU (3.37).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than NSU (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% at NSU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

NSU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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).

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Northern State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $1,265 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($23,134 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($239 vs. $252).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.