VSU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than VSU based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 5,605 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VSU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 VSU ($8,076 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marshall University are 0.5% lower than at Virginia State University ($13,292 vs. $13,355).
• Virginia State University is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $881 more per year; $10,043.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at VSU than at Marshall University (about $2,308 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Virginia State University (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 8% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($13,448 vs. $12,447).

VSU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU 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 VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 70 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 840/1070; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 14/20; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.83 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at VSU (2.85).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at VSU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

VSU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU 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 Virginia State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $6,366 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($23,134 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($239 vs. $305).
• More Marshall University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 28%)

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.