VSU vs. Mars Hill University

Comparable Facts

Compare Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA with Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Valdosta State University is larger than Mars Hill University based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 1,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Mars Hill University is in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Mars Hill University 11:1.

VSU vs. Mars Hill University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or Mars Hill 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 Valdosta State University than Mars Hill University ($11,144 vs. $18,925).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 22.3% lower than at Mars Hill University ($9,530 vs. $12,258).
• Mars Hill University is 516.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $31,612 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.6% higher at Mars Hill University than at Valdosta State University (about $19,900 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Valdosta State University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 204.4% larger than aid received by Valdosta State University students ($31,066 vs. $10,206).

VSU vs. Mars Hill University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU or Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University and VSU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; Mars Hill University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mars Hill University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at VSU (3.23).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than Mars Hill University (67.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 31.1% at Mars Hill University.

VSU vs. Mars Hill University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and Mars Hill 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Mars Hill University's (38%).
• Graduates from Valdosta State University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Mars Hill University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mars Hill University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 41%)

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.