WKU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Marshall University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 11,958 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Marshall University 16:1.

WKU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU 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 WKU ($8,076 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 5.3% lower than at Marshall University ($12,582 vs. $13,292).
• Western Kentucky University is 27.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $2,490 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.7% higher at WKU than at Marshall University (about $6,658 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Marshall University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 23.1% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($13,448 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU 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 WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 80 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at WKU (3.42).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

WKU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU 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).

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $1,116 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($23,134 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($239 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.