At $8,327/yr net price, Marshall University graduates earn $46,354/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,354/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,327 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,308 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,354/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,354/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,820/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,572/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,970/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,243/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,496/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $185,138 | $187,960 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $121,632 | $123,600 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $87,183 | $31,160 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,635 | $117,799 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $28,375 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,823 | $23,923 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $26,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $25,750 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,087 | $150,015 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,964 | $41,142 |
The Risk Factor
48.7% of students at Marshall University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Marshall University offers solid financial value for West Virginia residents, with a low net price of $8,327 annually making it one of the most affordable four-year options in the region. However, the 48.7% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't complete your degree.
The nursing programs deliver strong returns, with graduates earning up to $185,138 annually. Pharmacy graduates also see strong outcomes at $121,632, though the $123,600 debt load requires careful consideration. Computer science provides decent earning potential at $63,005 with manageable debt of $28,375, making it a practical choice for the local tech market.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions present a concerning financial picture, with debt of $117,799 against earnings of $73,635. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment challenging and represents one of Marshall's riskiest programs financially.
You should strongly consider Marshall if you're pursuing nursing, pharmacy, or computer science and want to stay in West Virginia's job market. The low sticker price makes it accessible even if you receive minimal financial aid, which affects only 37.84% of students. The relatively low median debt of $23,250 keeps most graduates manageable payment schedules.
Marshall works best for students committed to completing their degree, given the retention challenges. If you're uncertain about finishing college or considering programs outside healthcare and technology, the combination of modest regional job opportunities and graduation rate concerns should give you pause. Out-of-state students should compare costs carefully, as Marshall's primary advantage is its affordability for West Virginia residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marshall University worth the cost?
Marshall University offers strong value for students in nursing and pharmacy programs, with nursing graduates earning up to $87,000-$185,000 annually. However, the 49% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Marshall University?
Nursing programs lead Marshall's earnings potential, with some nursing specializations reaching $185,000 in median earnings. Pharmacy graduates earn around $122,000, while computer science majors average $63,000 annually.
How much debt do Marshall University graduates have?
Marshall graduates carry a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable for nursing and pharmacy majors but may be harder to repay for lower-earning programs. The low net price of $8,327 per year helps keep borrowing down.
What is Marshall University's job placement rate after graduation?
Marshall graduates earn a median of $46,354 ten years after enrollment, below the national average for college graduates. Strong outcomes in health sciences programs are offset by weaker performance in other fields and the low graduation rate.