Tennessee State University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tennessee State University 13:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Tennessee State University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University ($8,076 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 16.1% lower than at Marshall University ($11,150 vs. $13,292).
• Marshall University is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $546 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.2% higher at Tennessee State University than at Marshall University (about $2,074 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Tennessee State University (97% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 39.2% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($13,448 vs. $9,661).

Tennessee State University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 60 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 880/1050; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 16/21; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee State University - Open admission; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Tennessee State University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Tennessee State University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $4,866 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($23,134 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($239 vs. $289).
• More Marshall University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 29%)

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.