USC Aiken vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than USC Aiken based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 4,022 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Aiken is located in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1; Marshall University 16:1.

USC Aiken vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC Aiken 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 USC Aiken ($8,076 vs. $12,236).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 30.9% lower than at Marshall University ($9,182 vs. $13,292).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is 17.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $1,598 more per year; $10,760.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at USC Aiken than at Marshall University (about $876 more per year; $21,218.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 51% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($13,448 vs. $8,904).

USC Aiken vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC Aiken 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 USC Aiken.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Aiken (1100) is 70 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming USC Aiken 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: University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC Aiken - Required; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at USC Aiken vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

USC Aiken vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC Aiken 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 University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $600 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $2,866 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($23,134 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($239 vs. $268).
• More USC Aiken graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.