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Marshall University

Huntington, WV

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

1837
Founded
Public research university
Type
7,149
Total Students
9,165
Undergrad
2,614
Graduate
$233M
Endowment
(2025)
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$20K
Tuition (Out-State)
$8K
Avg Net Price
96%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
6-year
79%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Brad D. Smith

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Marshall University

From historic academy to resilient research university, Marshall stands as a testament to perseverance.

Step into the vibrant legacy of Marshall University, a public research institution with deep roots stretching back to 1837. Named after the eminent Chief Justice John Marshall, this university has evolved from a private subscription school into a powerhouse of learning and innovation in West Virginia. Marshall is particularly known for its inspiring story of resilience following the tragic 1970 plane crash that claimed the lives of its football team, coaches, and fans. The university community's ability to rebuild and thrive in the aftermath is a powerful testament to its enduring spirit, memorialized by the campus fountain that symbolically pauses each year.

Today, Marshall University offers a dynamic academic environment for its over 12,000 students. Beyond its strong foundation in the liberal arts, the university is rapidly expanding its cutting-edge programs. Prospective students will find exciting opportunities in fields like aviation, with the recently opened Bill Noe Flight School at Yeager Airport, and healthcare, through the new physician assistant program housed within the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Furthermore, Marshall is investing in the future with a new Institute for Cyber Security, offering state-of-the-art facilities and programs.

Under the leadership of President Brad D. Smith, Marshall University continues to foster an engaging student experience, emphasizing both academic rigor and community strength. Its journey from a teacher training facility to a comprehensive research university, coupled with a history of overcoming adversity, makes Marshall a truly unique and inspiring place to learn and grow.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1837 and named after Chief Justice John Marshall, offering a rich historical legacy.
  • A public research university with over 12,318 students.
  • Operates the Bill Noe Flight School, offering commercial pilot and aviation maintenance programs.
  • Home to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, which launched a new physician assistant program in 2021.
  • Building a new 80,000 sq ft Institute for Cyber Security, scheduled to open by Fall 2026.
  • Holds a significant endowment of $0.2 billion, supporting its continued growth and research endeavors.
  • Its inspiring story of resilience following the 1970 plane crash is a defining aspect of the university's spirit and community.

Timeline

1837
Founded as a private subscription school.
1838
Formally dedicated as Marshall Academy by the Virginia General Assembly.
1858
Renamed Marshall College by the Virginia General Assembly.
1867
Re-established by the West Virginia Legislature as State Normal School of Marshall College, a teacher training facility.
1920
Began offering four-year degrees for the first time.
1938
Authorized to offer master's degrees and accredited as a 'university level institution'.
1961
Elevated to university status, becoming Marshall University; WMUL-FM began operations.
1970
The Thundering Herd football team's chartered plane crashed, killing all 75 on board.
2021
Opened the Bill Noe Flight School and launched a physician assistant program; Brad D. Smith appointed 38th president.
2023
November 14 officially designated as Memorial Day in remembrance of the 1970 plane crash across West Virginia.
2024
Broke ground on an 80,000 sq ft Institute for Cyber Security building.
🏛️
189 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Marshall University

🏫

Bill Noe Flight School

Offering undergraduate programs for commercial pilots and aviation maintenance.

🏥

Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Houses a new physician assistant program, accepting its inaugural class in 2021.

Leadership

President
Avi Mukherjee
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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