University of Vermont vs Marshall University

University of Vermont vs Marshall University

Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both the University of Vermont (UVM) and Marshall University are public universities with regional emphases, although UVM has a more robust national and international academic reputation. In QS World University Rankings 2026, UVM is ranked at about  1001-1200th nationally. UVM also acquired R1 classification from the Carnegie Classification, making it a high-ranking research university.

In subject areas, UVM is highly ranked in Environmental Sciences, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Business, with excellent interdisciplinary programs in sustainability and public health. Marshall University has strengths in Health Professions, Liberal Arts, Education, and Business, with increasing attention to applied learning and regional service. The research and subject rankings of UVM are more competitive at the national level, whereas Marshall emphasizes access and workforce development.

General Information

The University of Vermont, which was established in 1791, is situated in Burlington, Vermont, which is a lively college town. It boasts about 14,088 students, out of which 12,168 are undergraduates3. Marshall University, founded in 1837, is also situated in Huntington, West Virginia, with a total of around 10,691 students, out of which 9,165 are undergraduates4.

UVM has a picturesque, research-centered campus with close connections to environmental and health efforts. Marshall is more community-oriented, close-knit experience with a regional focus and emphasis on supporting students.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both universities have admissions that are open. UVM's acceptance rate is around 60%, whereas Marshall's is much higher at 96%. Students who attend UVM normally have SAT scores ranging from 1260–1430 and ACT scores ranging from 28–32, whereas Marshall's accepted students have mean scores of 930–1150 SAT and 19–25 ACT5.

UVM prioritizes academic challenge and comprehensive review, particularly for competitive health and environmental science programs. Marshall is more liberal in access and provides excellent support for in-state applicants and first-generation students.

Research Impact & Facilities

UVM is an R1 research university, receiving more than $260 million in research funding each year, including large-scale projects in planetary health, neuroscience, and climate science. It is home to the Larner College of Medicine, a cutting-edge STEM complex, and high-tech labs such as the FabLab and Device Characterization Lab.

Marshall University is an R2 research university, with distinguished centers in forensic science, cyber forensics, and public health. It houses more than 300 student organizations, 300+ study abroad locations, and specialized schools such as the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Though its research size is smaller, Marshall focuses on experiential learning and community engagement.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both institutions are public and provide financial aid, but Marshall is considerably cheaper. UVM's in-state tuition is approximately $16,280, and out-of-state tuition is $41,280, with an average net price of $21,8498. Marshall's in-state tuition is $7,190, and out-of-state tuition is $18,244, with a much lower average net price of $8,7569.

UVM offers generous assistance, with 98% of recipients obtaining grants and a mean award of $19,189, and Marshall assists 96% of recipients with an average grant of $11,221. UVM's assistance is greater, but Marshall's lower sticker price results in its being more affordable overall.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UVM graduates have a median salary of $53,500 a decade after graduation and are well-placed in the fields of healthcare, environmental science, business, and government10. UVM's alumni network is engaged and diverse and is aided by career services and national employer connections.

Marshall alumni have a median starting salary of $40,200 with academic strengths in education, health professions, and local business fields11. Marshall career services involve outcomes tracking, employer relationships, and surveys of alumni, targeting local workforce integration and hands-on training.