Salem State University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Salem State University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem 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 Salem State University ($8,076 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marshall University are 21.1% lower than at Salem State University ($13,292 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 34.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $3,176 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Marshall University than at Salem State University (about $811 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Marshall University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 30.3% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($13,448 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 50 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Marshall University (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Salem State University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem 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).

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $866 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($23,134 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($239 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University 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.