Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia, is a prominent public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Established in 1837, the university boasts a rich history and a vibrant campus culture that fosters a supportive learning environment. The university's motto, "The Lord's Work," reflects its dedication to service and integrity, which permeates its educational ethos. Marshall is particularly recognized for its strong emphasis on health sciences, engineering, and business programs, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees that prepare students for success in their chosen fields.

The university's campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, which is a leader in medical education and research. Additionally, the campus is home to the Visual Arts Center and the Brad D. Smith Schools of Business, providing students with access to modern resources and innovative learning spaces. The vibrant student life at Marshall is characterized by a variety of organizations, clubs, and athletic programs, including the NCAA Division I Thundering Herd sports teams, which promote school spirit and community involvement. With a focus on both academic achievement and personal development, Marshall University continues to build a legacy of excellence, supported by dedicated faculty and a diverse student body.

Analysis of Key Trends at Marshall University

Marshall University, a public institution, has demonstrated significant trends in several key areas over the past decade. One of the most noteworthy aspects is the tuition increase, particularly for out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, the tuition for out-of-state students was approximately $14,446, but by 2024, it has escalated to about $20,294. This 40% increase could potentially limit access for students who are not residents of West Virginia, reflecting a broader trend in rising college costs across the United States.

In terms of student enrollment, there is a concerning decline in the number of undergraduate students. From a peak of 9,885 in 2013, enrollment has dropped to 7,952 in 2023, indicating a reduction of nearly 20%. This downward trend may be influenced by the rising tuition costs, increased competition from other universities, or demographic shifts in the region.

Another crucial area is the graduation rate, which shows promising improvement. The on-time graduation rate rose from 23.8% in 2013 to approximately 29.4% in 2023. This improvement in student outcomes may be attributed to enhanced academic support programs or initiatives aimed at increasing student engagement and success.

Retention rates also reflect a positive trend, peaking at 77.2% in 2021 before slightly declining to 74.5% in 2023. Maintaining a high retention rate is essential for institutions as it correlates with better graduation outcomes and overall student satisfaction.

Lastly, the male-to-female ratio in undergraduate and graduate programs shows a consistent representation of women, with female undergraduates comprising over 57% of the student body. This gender balance is increasingly important in today’s academic landscape, promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Overall, while Marshall University faces challenges such as declining enrollment and rising tuition, the improvements in graduation and retention rates highlight the institution's commitment to student success. Addressing the enrollment decline will be vital for sustaining its academic programs and financial health in the long run.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Marshall University for 2023

The graduation data from Marshall University presents intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various fields. Notably, the health and medical preparatory programs stand out with a significant number of bachelor's degrees awarded, totaling 132, alongside 106 degrees in Registered Nursing. This trend reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals, a concern echoed by recent statistics indicating a projected shortage of nurses in the U.S. This highlights the importance of institutions focusing on training in these critical areas.

Moreover, there is a complete absence of international students in the bachelor's and master's categories for most programs, particularly in the health and medical fields. This could suggest potential barriers for international students in these popular programs or a lack of outreach by the university in attracting this demographic. In contrast, registered nursing did produce a notable number of domestic graduates, which could indicate a strong local interest in health professions.

Interestingly, counselor education also demonstrates a focus on master's degrees, with 95 graduates. This aligns with the increasing recognition of mental health issues and the need for trained professionals in counseling, reflecting broader societal shifts towards prioritizing mental health services.

Overall, the data suggests that while health-related programs dominate in terms of graduation rates, there is a notable lack of diversity in international student participation, especially in high-demand fields. This could present an opportunity for Marshall University to enhance its global outreach efforts and better prepare for the evolving job market in healthcare and counseling.

Marshall University has shown a notable evolution in its admission rates and enrollment patterns from 2009 to 2023. The institution's acceptance rates for both genders have generally been high, predominantly surpassing 80% for men and showing an even higher acceptance rate for women, often exceeding 90% in recent years. This high acceptance rate could indicate a welcoming admissions policy aimed at fostering diverse student demographics or a response to declining application numbers. The number of students enrolling each year has fluctuated, with peaks observed in 2012 and 2013 when enrollment numbers were above 2000 students. Conversely, recent years have shown a slight decline in the number of enrolled students, with 2023 having the lowest at 1554. This trend could point to various factors, including increased competition from other institutions, demographic shifts, or changing student preferences. In terms of deferred admissions, there’s a significant rise over the years, particularly from 2016 onwards. By 2023, deferred admissions reached a substantial 4604 students, a sharp increase compared to earlier years. This could reflect the growing flexibility in admission policies, allowing students to delay their start for various reasons, including financial constraints, personal circumstances, or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Marshall University’s ranking has seen a decline from its initial entry into the US News rankings in 2020 at position 293 to 332 in 2024. This downward trend might correlate with the challenges in maintaining high enrollment and managing deferred admissions effectively. The university may need to address these issues through strategic initiatives to improve its academic offerings, campus facilities, and overall appeal to prospective students.

Over the years, Marshall University has seen notable fluctuations in the submission rates and scores of standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. From 2007 to 2023, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores oscillated significantly. Initially, in 2007, 30% of admitted students submitted SAT scores, which subsequently dipped to as low as 15% in 2017 and 2018. However, a dramatic shift occurred in 2020 when 75% of the students submitted SAT scores, marking a significant increase likely influenced by changes in admission policies or external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic which might have altered students' application strategies. This elevated trend continued into 2021 and 2022 with 78% and 56% respectively.

The SAT score ranges have also experienced minor variations over the years. In 2007, the middle 50% of SAT Reading scores ranged from 460 to 570, and SAT Math scores followed similar trends. By 2023, these ranges shifted slightly higher, with SAT Reading scores ranging from 480 to 600, indicating a potential increase in the academic preparedness of applicants or changes in test difficulty and scoring.

The ACT submission and score trends mirror those of the SAT. Throughout the years, the percentage of students submitting ACT scores remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations. The composite scores for ACT ranged from the mid to high 20s, reflecting consistent academic performance among applicants.

Overall, the data suggest that Marshall University has experienced shifts in student testing preferences, likely influenced by broader educational trends and external factors. The significant rise in SAT submissions in 2020 and beyond stands out as a key trend, suggesting a response to changing environments and possibly reflecting adaptive strategies by students navigating the uncertainties of recent years.

Analyzing Student Demographics at Marshall University in 2023

The 2023 student demographics at Marshall University reveal important trends in diversity and gender distribution across different student categories. The data points to a substantial undergraduate population, with 1,549 freshmen and 4,970 returning students. Freshmen exhibit a slight female majority, with women making up 56.8% of this group, while men constitute 43.2%. This trend continues with returning undergraduates, where women represent 57.8%, and men account for 42.2%. Undergraduate transfer students also show a similar gender distribution, with 56.7% women and 43.3% men.

The graduate student population, numbering 2,739, displays a more pronounced gender imbalance, with women forming 66% of the group compared to 34% men. This could indicate a rising trend of women pursuing higher education qualifications, aligning with broader national and global trends towards gender parity in academia.

In terms of racial diversity, white students constitute the majority across all categories. For instance, among freshmen, white students account for 1,295, with a fairly balanced gender ratio. However, there is also representation from other racial groups such as Asian, Latino, and African American students, as well as international students, although the exact figures for these groups are not as prominently detailed.

This comprehensive demographic data suggests that while Marshall University has a predominantly white student body, there is an encouraging presence of various racial groups. Additionally, the female majority across most student categories reflects a positive shift towards greater gender balance in higher education. These trends are crucial for shaping inclusive policies and fostering a diverse academic environment.

The age distribution data of students at Marshall University in 2023 offers valuable insights into the demographics of the student body. The data indicates a significant concentration of younger students, particularly in the under-18 and 18-19 age brackets. These two age groups together comprise a substantial proportion of the undergraduate population, with 311 male and 495 female students under 18, and 1,054 male and 1,550 female students aged 18-19. This trend suggests that Marshall University is a popular choice for students transitioning directly from high school to higher education.

Interestingly, the number of students in the 20-21 age group remains high, with 1,003 males and 1,460 females, which could signify either a continuation of undergraduate studies or the commencement of graduate programs.

A notable shift occurs in the 22-24 age group, where the number of male undergraduates declines sharply, but the number of graduate students increases, indicating a transition from undergraduate to graduate studies. This age group sees 280 male and 558 female graduate students, reflecting a balanced gender distribution in higher education pursuits.

For older age groups (25-49), there is a gradual decrease in the number of students. However, it is interesting to note that there is a consistent presence of both male and female students in graduate programs, with females generally outnumbering males, particularly in the 40-49 age bracket. This could reflect career transitions or further professional development for individuals in this age range.

Overall, the data reveals a youthful student population, with a clear trend of increasing female participation in higher education, especially at the graduate level. This aligns with broader national trends where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees. The university's ability to attract and retain students across a diverse age range highlights its role in providing educational opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional students.

Marshall University has seen fluctuations in its international student population over the past two decades. Both undergraduate and graduate international student percentages have varied, reflecting broader global and institutional trends.

From 2004 to 2023, the proportion of international students among undergraduates increased slightly, peaking at 1.80% in 2015. However, this percentage then declined to 1.13% by 2023. The undergraduate total population also decreased significantly from over 12,000 in 2004 to just under 8,000 in 2023. This decline suggests potential challenges in attracting and retaining both domestic and international students, possibly due to competition, changing demographics, or shifts in higher education preferences.

The graduate student data shows a more dynamic trend in international enrollment. Starting at 3.05% in 2004, the percentage of international graduate students rose notably, hitting its highest point at 11.61% in 2017. This increase indicates a growing interest among international students in pursuing advanced degrees at Marshall University during that period. However, this trend reversed sharply by 2023, with the percentage dropping to 2.15%. This significant decrease may be attributed to various factors, including global political climates, visa policies, economic conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on international student mobility.

Overall, while Marshall University has experienced periods of growth in its international student body, recent years have shown a decline. This trend underscores the need for strategic efforts to enhance the university's appeal to international students and adapt to the evolving global educational landscape.

Here are some notable universities surrounding Marshall University:

1. Ohio State University-Main Campus - Ranked 43rd by US News in 2024, Ohio State University is a comprehensive university known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life.

2. Denison University - With a rank of 39, Denison is a liberal arts college that emphasizes individualized education and encourages students to engage in critical thinking and creativity.

3. University of Kentucky - Ranked 159th, the University of Kentucky is a comprehensive university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong focus on research and community engagement.

4. Berea College - This liberal arts college ranks 30th and is notable for its commitment to providing a high-quality education without charging tuition, focusing on the value of work and service.

5. Xavier University - With a ranking of 201, Xavier University is a comprehensive institution that emphasizes a strong liberal arts education infused with Jesuit values.

6. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - Ranked 142nd, the University of Cincinnati is known for its co-op programs and innovative research opportunities.

7. University of Dayton - This university is ranked 133rd and is recognized for its strong engineering and business programs, along with a commitment to community service.

8. Kenyon College - Another top liberal arts college, Kenyon ranks 39th and is known for its beautiful campus and strong writing program.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and experiences, making the surrounding area rich in educational opportunities.

Marshall University has experienced varying levels of crime and disciplinary issues over the past decade. The data indicates that the crime rate per 1000 students has fluctuated significantly, peaking in 2018 at 12.43 per 1000 students and reaching a low of 4.68 per 1000 students in 2021. Notably, the year 2018 witnessed a substantial increase in crime and disciplinary incidents, which could be a result of several factors including increased reporting, changes in campus security policies, or actual increases in criminal activity.

The types of incidents reported include a mix of serious crimes and violations such as gun-related arrests, drug and alcohol-related arrests and disciplinary actions, and violent crimes including rape, assault, and domestic violence. For instance, 2015 saw an average of 9.27 incidents per 1000 students, which included violent crimes like rape and assault, contributing to the overall sense of insecurity that can affect student well-being and campus life.

The significant drop in 2021 could be attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced campus population and activities, thus lowering the opportunities for crime. However, the subsequent rise in 2022 to 9.67 incidents per 1000 students suggests that as campus life returned to normalcy, so did the crime rates.

These trends highlight the need for continuous efforts in campus safety enhancements, including better lighting, increased security personnel, and educational programs on substance abuse and violence prevention. The presence of crimes such as stalking and domestic violence also underscores the importance of support services for victims and robust reporting mechanisms.

For further insights into the calculation of crime rates, refer to the provided methodology link: Crime Rate Calculation.