Students react to Marshall University metro region tuition expansion

HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK)– Marshall University expanded the boundary for their metro tuition by 50 miles on Wednesday.

The new region will now encompass regions like Cincinnati, Columbus and Lexington. The metro tuition rate offers students in portions of Kentucky and Ohio, a tuition rate between that of in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition.

University officials say that the rate is competitive with that of other metro area institutions.

Students who are currently enrolled with this tuition rate told 13 News that the lower tuition made it easier to choose Marshall University.

“I came to Marshall’s because I’m like 15 minutes from home and it was really close,” said Emily Vance, a Marshall student from Chesapeake, Ohio. “I think it’s pretty, it’s a pretty generous offer.”

“It was a lot cheaper than out-of-state tuition. And I really liked Marshall,” said Belle Marcom, a Marshall student from Kentucky. “It made it easier.”

University officials said that this initiative has helped correct a 13-year enrollment decline, with enrollment rates increasing in both of the past two years.

The expansion will apply to both incoming freshmen and current students who are from within the new boundary.

University officials say about 150 students currently enjoy the lowered rate and after the expansion, that number would become about 270 students.

The expansion will take place in the fall of 2025.

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