Head-to-head · 2026
Marshall University vs Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Compare average net price ($7,502 at Marshall University; $9,197 at Potomac State College of West Virginia University), ROI score (15.45 vs 15.21), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($46,354 vs $55,939), and admissions context (95.7% at Marshall University; Open / not reported at Potomac State College of West Virginia University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Marshall University | Potomac State College of West Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 15.45 ✓ | 15.21 |
| Avg net price | $7,502 ✓ | $9,197 |
| 4-year avg net price | $30,008 ✓ | $36,788 |
| In-state tuition | $9,162 | $5,280 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,342 | $13,200 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $46,354 | $55,939 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 95.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 51.2% ✓ | 31% |
| Retention rate | 72.2% ✓ | 57.7% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $22,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,266 | 853 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1061 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Marshall University | Potomac State College of West Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $4,648 ✓ | $7,375 |
| Family income $30–48k | $4,430 ✓ | $7,807 |
| Family income $48–75k | $6,837 ✓ | $10,500 |
| Family income $75–110k | $11,227 ✓ | $12,833 |
| Family income $110k+ | $15,076 | $12,945 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Marshall University | Potomac State College of West Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 6.7% | 59.4% |
| Business/Commerce, General | 9.2% | 5.5% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 1.9% | 8.4% |
| Education, General | 2.3% | 5.5% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 0.5% | 6.1% |
| Engineering, General | 0.6% | 2.3% |
| Information Science/Studies | 0% | 1.9% |
| Journalism | 1% | 0.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Marshall University reports the lower average net price by $1,695 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $6,780 difference over four years ($30,008 vs $36,788).
Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports $9,585 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($55,939 vs $46,354). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 72.2% at Marshall University and 57.7% at Potomac State College of West Virginia University. Median federal debt among completers is $23,250 vs $22,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Marshall University vs Potomac State College of West Virginia University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Marshall University is cheaper — average net price $7,502 per year vs $9,197 at Potomac State College of West Virginia University. The annual difference of $1,695 adds up to about $6,780 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $55,939 vs $46,354 at Marshall University. The gap in the federal data is $9,585. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.