The metro rate falls in between the resident and non-resident tuition rates.
The new rates will apply to students entering Marshall University in fall 2025, as well as students from those areas currently enrolled at Marshall. This is the second time in two years that Marshall has expanded its metro tuition boundaries. In 2022, the rates applied to a 100-mile radius and has now been expanded to a 150-mile radius. A complete list of metro counties is available here.
Matt Tidd, the university’s chief financial officer, said the metro tuition will be competitive with tuition rates at other institutions in those areas. University officials say a modest number of new students will be needed to break even financially.
In addition, following an executive session, the board released the formal third year performance evaluation of President Brad D. Smith based on feedback from faculty, staff, students, alumni, among other constituencies.
Board chair Geoff Sheils shared the following comments as part of a larger statement sent to the Marshall community.
“We are grateful for his vision, his commitment, and his untiring dedication in leading this great institution,” Sheils said. “In a short time, much has been accomplished. After 13 years of enrollment decline, total student enrollment has now increased in each of the last two years. Significant progress has been made in achieving financial stability, and there is a renewed energy and excitement within the university community as we remain anchored in the student-first priorities of increasing access and ensuring affordability while delivering an in-demand curriculum that enables lifetime achievement.”
Smith became Marshall’s president in January 2022 after a successful career in the corporate world, including experience as a Silicon Valley CEO.
In other action today, the board approved a resolution authorizing the reallocation of state funding for deferred maintenance projects to other identified capital needs.
And while final enrollment numbers won’t be reported to the Higher Education Policy Commission until later this month, university officials told board members that just over 12,000 students are attending classes this fall, a total increase of 12% over the past two years and reversing a 13-year decline.