Columbia International University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Columbia International University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University 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 Columbia International University ($8,076 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 10.1% lower than at Marshall University ($11,950 vs. $13,292).
• Columbia International University is 204.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $18,738 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.2% higher at Columbia International University than at Marshall University (about $7,558 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Columbia International University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 26.5% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($17,009 vs. $13,448).

Columbia International University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or Marshall University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Marshall University and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 990/1195; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027; Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Marshall University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Columbia International University (94.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Columbia International University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Marshall University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $1,634 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($222 vs. $239).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.