About Marshall University
Marshall University carries the weight of tragedy and triumph in equal measure. The Thundering Herd football program rebuilt itself from devastating loss after a 1970 plane crash killed 75 people, creating one of sports' most inspiring comeback stories. This public research university in small-city Huntington serves 7,149 students and has produced NFL stars like Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss and quarterback Chad Pennington. The campus welcomes nearly everyone who applies with a 96.88% acceptance rate.
Students pay far less than sticker price after financial aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $8,327, making this education accessible even for families earning under $30,000 who pay just $4,820 annually. Graduates earn a median of $46,354 ten years out, while carrying typical debt of $23,250 with monthly payments around $246. The numbers work for most students seeking affordable four-year degrees.
Don't expect quick results though. Only 49.22% finish in four years, and the overall six-year graduation rate sits at 48.70%. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, while 80% of students come from West Virginia. Division I athletics in the Sun Belt Conference give campus life energy, especially when the Herd takes on rival West Virginia.
Students pay far less than sticker price after financial aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $8,327, making this education accessible even for families earning under $30,000 who pay just $4,820 annually. Graduates earn a median of $46,354 ten years out, while carrying typical debt of $23,250 with monthly payments around $246. The numbers work for most students seeking affordable four-year degrees.
Don't expect quick results though. Only 49.22% finish in four years, and the overall six-year graduation rate sits at 48.70%. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, while 80% of students come from West Virginia. Division I athletics in the Sun Belt Conference give campus life energy, especially when the Herd takes on rival West Virginia.
Academics & Faculty
Marshall University operates as a public research university where nearly half of students graduate within four years (49.22%). The school rebuilt its academic reputation alongside its famous football program after the 1970 tragedy. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors across the university's programs. Marshall is particularly known for its strong business and journalism schools, which have produced successful alumni in media and corporate sectors. The 78.70% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for academically. As a research institution, Marshall offers opportunities for undergraduate research participation, though students should expect to be proactive in seeking out faculty mentorship given the mid-sized enrollment of 7,149 students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.7%
- Retention Rate
- 78.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,354
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $185,138 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $121,632 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $87,183 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,635 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,823 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,087 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,964 |
Campus Life
Marshall sits in Huntington along the Ohio River, about 150 miles from both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. The campus houses 32% of students in dorms and apartments that accommodate 2,283 residents. West Virginia winters require a good coat, while humid summers mean plenty of air conditioning in the brick buildings scattered across the compact urban campus.
Football dominates weekend life when the Thundering Herd plays at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The program carries deep emotional weight after rebuilding from the 1970 plane crash tragedy. Students pack the stadium for Sun Belt Conference games, creating one of the most passionate atmospheres in college football. With 80% of the 7,149 students coming from in-state, many head home on weekends when there's no game. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name. Huntington's small-city setting provides enough restaurants and entertainment without big-city distractions. The employment rate hits 95.2% after graduation, with many alumni staying in the region. Campus traditions center around football, but the close-knit community feel extends beyond game day.
Football dominates weekend life when the Thundering Herd plays at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The program carries deep emotional weight after rebuilding from the 1970 plane crash tragedy. Students pack the stadium for Sun Belt Conference games, creating one of the most passionate atmospheres in college football. With 80% of the 7,149 students coming from in-state, many head home on weekends when there's no game. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name. Huntington's small-city setting provides enough restaurants and entertainment without big-city distractions. The employment rate hits 95.2% after graduation, with many alumni staying in the region. Campus traditions center around football, but the close-knit community feel extends beyond game day.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,283 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1837
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–43°F
- July Avg
- 66°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 10.2"
Student Demographics
Marshall draws heavily from West Virginia and surrounding Appalachian communities, with 80% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the working-class character of the region, as more than a third receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Women outnumber men 57% to 43%, partly reflecting strong programs in nursing and education that have historically attracted female students. The demographics align with Marshall's mission as an accessible public university serving local communities. Students often come from families where college attendance isn't guaranteed, making Marshall's 97% acceptance rate crucial for regional access to higher education.
- Men
- 42.9%
- Women
- 57.1%
- White
- 78.0%
- Black
- 5.6%
- Hispanic
- 2.8%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 80.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.8%
Location
Marshall University sits in Huntington, West Virginia, along the Ohio River border with Ohio and Kentucky. The city of 45,000 residents lies about 150 miles southeast of Columbus and 300 miles from Pittsburgh. Huntington serves as the largest city in the Tri-State area, where Appalachian foothills meet river valleys. The campus anchors downtown Huntington's revitalization efforts, with historic brick buildings mixing with newer facilities near the riverfront. The Ohio River provides recreational opportunities, while nearby Wayne National Forest offers hiking trails in the Appalachian Mountains. With 80% of students coming from in-state, Marshall draws heavily from West Virginia's small towns and rural communities. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare Marshall University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Huntington, West Virginia 25755
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,354
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,126
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Marshall University?
Marshall University accepts 96.88% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The school focuses on providing educational opportunities to a wide range of students rather than maintaining exclusivity.
How much does Marshall University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,327 annually after aid, with the lowest-income families paying just $4,820. In-state tuition starts at $8,942, making Marshall one of the more affordable public universities in West Virginia.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Marshall University?
Marshall maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 7,149 total students enrolled. The university operates on a semester system and focuses on providing personalized attention within a mid-sized public university setting.
How much do Marshall University graduates earn?
Marshall graduates earn a median of $46,354 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 95.2%. The university has produced notable NFL alumni including Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss and quarterbacks Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich.
Where is Marshall University located and what is campus life like?
Marshall sits in Huntington, West Virginia, a small city environment with on-campus housing for 2,283 students. The campus serves 80.09% in-state students and is home to the Thundering Herd, who compete in 14 NCAA Division I sports in the Sun Belt Conference.
What is Marshall University most famous for?
Marshall is best known for its football program that rebuilt after the tragic 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people, including players, coaches, and boosters. The university's motto 'We Are Marshall' reflects the community spirit that emerged from this defining tragedy, and the story was immortalized in the 2006 film of the same name.
