Marshall University vs Morehead State

Marshall University and Morehead State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to their students. Marshall, located in Huntington, West Virginia, boasts a higher acceptance rate (86%) compared to Morehead State's 79% in Morehead, Kentucky. Marshall's student body is more diverse, with a larger population of undergraduate students and a higher percentage of female students. Morehead State, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate (58%) than Marshall's 56%. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these universities' acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
Marshall University logo

Marshall University

Morehead State University logo

Morehead State University

Overview

Location Huntington, West Virginia Morehead, Kentucky
Campus setting City: Small Town: Remote
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 71.0% 70.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 97.8% 89.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $40
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
SAT range 930 - 1150 N/A
ACT range 19 - 25 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 56.0%
Students submitting ACT score 70.0%
Total number of applicants 5,602 6,922
Total number of admissions given out 5,479 6,218
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,596 1,184
Yield rate 29.1% 19.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $22,993

Out of state: $34,047
In state: $23,984

Out of state: $28,628
Average net price $8,730 $10,471
Tuition
In state: $7,190

Out of state: $18,244
In state: $9,082

Out of state: $13,726
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $5,724

Meal plan: $4,330
$10,040
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

91.0%
Average amount $10,973
97.0%
Average amount $10,376
Students receiving federal student loan 46.0%
Average amount $5,033
55.0%
Average amount $4,964
Students taking out private loans 4.0%
Average amount $10,103
5.0%
Average amount $9,199

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 8,008
Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
8,312
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Graduate students 3,015
Men 34.4% Women 65.6%
670
Men 37.6% Women 62.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 21.6% N/A
International students 1.6% 0.7%
Campus local/setting City: Small Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity 2,339 3,315
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from West Virginia Ohio District of Columbia Virginia Ohio Tennessee Virginia Illinois

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Agriculture
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 52.2% 44.8%
Dropout rate 18.9% 53.6%
Transferred out 26.2% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $178,140
  • Year 2: $185,138
  • Year 3: $194,626
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $110,434
  • Year 2: $121,632
  • Year 3: $123,370
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,290
  • Year 2: $87,183
  • Year 3: $92,283
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,586
  • Year 2: $73,635
  • Year 3: $78,893
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,929
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $63,850
Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,233
  • Year 2: $57,087
  • Year 3: $63,436
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,991
  • Year 2: $55,512
  • Year 3: $59,064
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,473
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $57,835
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,506
  • Year 2: $58,823
  • Year 3: $57,647
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,675
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $57,619
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,256
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $67,934
Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,465
  • Year 2: $56,544
  • Year 3: $63,288
Curriculum and Instruction (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $53,198
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $61,548
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,164
  • Year 2: $59,919
  • Year 3: $59,589
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,855
  • Year 2: $55,512
  • Year 3: $56,127
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,482
  • Year 2: $54,430
  • Year 3: $52,630
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,023
  • Year 2: $41,565
  • Year 3: $52,250
Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,090
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $52,098
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,707
  • Year 2: $35,823
  • Year 3: $42,105
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,028
  • Year 2: $40,481
  • Year 3: $42,017

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Marshall University and Morehead State University?

    Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia, is a larger, doctoral-granting public university known for its strong programs in journalism, medicine, and engineering. Morehead State University, situated in Morehead, Kentucky, is a smaller, primarily undergraduate-focused public university with a strong emphasis on education, space science, and agriculture. Marshall offers a broader range of graduate programs and a more urban campus environment, while Morehead State provides a more close-knit community and a focus on hands-on learning experiences.

  • Which university is larger, Marshall or Morehead State?

    Marshall University generally has a larger student body than Morehead State University. This difference in size can impact class sizes, campus resources, and the overall campus atmosphere. Marshall's larger size often translates to a wider variety of student organizations and activities.

  • How do the academic programs compare between the two universities?

    Both universities offer a variety of undergraduate programs. Marshall University excels in areas like journalism, medicine (through its Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine), and engineering, offering a wider array of specialized graduate programs. Morehead State University is particularly strong in education, space science (with its Space Science Center), and agriculture, providing unique opportunities in these fields. Consider your specific academic interests when deciding which university aligns best with your goals.

  • What is the campus environment like at Marshall University versus Morehead State University?

    Marshall University offers a more urban campus environment in Huntington, West Virginia, providing access to city amenities and a diverse cultural scene. Morehead State University provides a more traditional, smaller-town campus environment in Morehead, Kentucky, fostering a close-knit community and a focus on outdoor activities in the surrounding Appalachian region.

  • How do the costs of attending Marshall University and Morehead State University compare?

    Tuition and fees can vary depending on residency status and the specific program. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. It's best to check the official websites of both Marshall University and Morehead State University for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities. Also, consider the cost of living in Huntington versus Morehead, as this can impact your overall expenses.

  • What kind of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at each university?

    Both Marshall University and Morehead State University offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Scholarship opportunities are often based on academic merit, talent, or specific program enrollment. It's crucial to visit the financial aid websites of both universities and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for various aid programs. Contact the financial aid offices directly for personalized guidance.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Marshall and Morehead State?

    Marshall University competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, with a strong emphasis on football and basketball. Morehead State University also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the Ohio Valley Conference, with a focus on basketball and other sports. If you're interested in participating in or attending college sporting events, consider which university's athletic programs align with your interests.

  • What student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

    Both Marshall University and Morehead State University offer a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the student experience. Marshall, being a larger university, typically has a wider range of options, including fraternities, sororities, academic clubs, and cultural organizations. Morehead State offers a more intimate setting for student involvement, with opportunities to participate in campus events, student government, and community service projects. Explore the student life websites of both universities to discover the specific activities that appeal to you.

  • Which university is better for students interested in space science?

    Morehead State University is particularly well-regarded for its space science program, boasting a dedicated Space Science Center and offering unique opportunities for hands-on research and satellite development. While Marshall University may offer related programs in engineering or physics, Morehead State's focused expertise in space science makes it a strong choice for students passionate about this field.

  • How does the career services support compare between Marshall and Morehead State?

    Both Marshall University and Morehead State University offer career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. Marshall's larger size may provide access to a broader network of alumni and employers, while Morehead State's career services may offer more personalized attention due to the smaller student body. Research the specific resources and programs offered by each university's career services department to determine which best meets your needs.

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