RU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than RU based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 7,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Radford University is located in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Radford University 14:1; Marshall University 16:1.

RU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RU 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 RU ($8,076 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 5.9% lower than at Marshall University ($12,504 vs. $13,292).
• Radford University is 37% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $3,386 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26% higher at RU than at Marshall University (about $5,291 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Radford University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 13.3% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($13,448 vs. $11,870).

RU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RU 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 RU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Radford University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming RU 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: Radford University 940/1160; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 19/26; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at RU (3.31).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than RU (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at RU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

RU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RU 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $134 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($23,000 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($237 vs. $239).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.