Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Marshall University

Marshall's electrical engineering program produces first-year earnings of $67,548—roughly $10,000 below what West Virginia University's engineering grads typically earn and landing in just the 5th percentile nationally. In a field where starting salaries routinely exceed $75,000, this gap matters. With estimated debt around $25,000 (based on typical borrowing across Marshall's programs), the financial structure looks manageable at a 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, but you're paying similar amounts for substantially different returns.

The question is why the earnings lag. Engineering is one of the more standardized majors—ABET accreditation means curricula don't vary wildly between schools. The difference likely comes down to employer connections, internship pipelines, and where graduates end up working. Marshall's 96% admission rate and modest SAT profile suggest students may not be competing for the same positions as WVU grads, whether due to preparation, network access, or geographic constraints.

For families considering this program, the concern isn't affordability—it's opportunity cost. Your student could potentially access stronger earning outcomes at WVU or West Virginia University Institute of Technology, where engineering grads start $12,000 higher. If Marshall is the only realistic option due to location or admission barriers, the program won't saddle your child with crushing debt. But if they can get into a higher-ranked state program, the earnings data suggests they should seriously consider it.