Union Commonwealth University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, 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 Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($8,076 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 37.8% lower than at Marshall University ($8,261 vs. $13,292).
• Union Commonwealth University is 237.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $21,784 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.1% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Marshall University (about $10,604 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Marshall University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 100.5% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($26,961 vs. $13,448).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $866 lower median loan debt than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($23,134 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($239 vs. $248).
• More Marshall University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 42%)

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.