NSU vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 8,523 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1; Marshall University 16:1.

NSU vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 NSU ($8,076 vs. $13,134).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 17.8% lower than at Marshall University ($10,926 vs. $13,292).
• Marshall University is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $298 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Marshall University than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (about $690 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $19,652.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 11.2% larger than aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students ($13,448 vs. $12,098).

NSU vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 20 points higher than at NSU (1010).
• Incoming NSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Marshall University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at NSU (3.3).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than NSU (92.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at NSU vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

NSU vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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 Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $1,603 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($21,531 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($222 vs. $239).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (46% 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.