WSSU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than WSSU based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 4,782 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Marshall University 16:1.

WSSU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU 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 WSSU ($8,076 vs. $12,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 13.6% lower than at Marshall University ($11,484 vs. $13,292).
• Marshall University is 49.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $3,036 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.2% higher at Marshall University than at Winston Salem State University (about $3,560 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Winston Salem State University (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($13,448 vs. $10,057).

WSSU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSSU 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 WSSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 100 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at WSSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

WSSU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU 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 Winston Salem State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than WSSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $2,529 lower median loan debt than WSSU graduates ($23,134 vs. $25,663).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSSU graduates ($239 vs. $265).
• More Marshall University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSSU students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 33%)

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.