Since its inception, Marshall has been fine tuning the gears of debt-free college to create a culture of high achieving, hardworking students through the Marshall for All program. After much time, effort and money, the first Marshall for All class will graduate in 2027. 

The program began in fall 2023 with the Debt-Free cohort: a group of students selected by the university to receive enough funds to ensure a debt-free graduation. The funds combine scholarships, grants, work study and family contributions to eliminate financial obstacles for college-bound students. It covers room and board, tuition, fees and various other expenses to be a comprehensive scholarship. 

Marshall for All: Debt-Free is open to all students in West Virginia and the surrounding Huntington areas. It requires admission to Marshall and completion of the FAFSA, after which students are entered into a lottery system that randomly selects 100 students.

After two years of the Debt-Free program, possible from a donation from Brad and Alys Smith, Marshall was able to create a new branch: Tuition-Free WV. The first cohort of the branch was welcomed to Marshall’s campus in fall 2025 and includes similar coursework with more specific qualifications. Contrary to Debt-Free, however, students are only provided tuition and fees and must pay for their own room and board. Marshall for All: Tuition-Free is only open to West Virginia students living in households with income less than $65,000 annually. 

The program has transformed Marshall’s students, goals and culture for the better, said Jennifer Jimison, Marshall for All project manager. 

“Marshall For All has improved Marshall’s culture by creating a goal for students, alumni, faculty and staff to rally around in order to reach the ultimate goal of a debt-free university,” Jimison said. 

The goal has remained at the forefront of the program, inspiring the development of other initiatives and opportunities. 

“As the program has grown, I have built up my connections with the university support staff to help uplift our students,” Jimison said. “We have also started programs, like the Marshall for You Leaders, to have peer-to-peer student support for each incoming freshman class.” 

The opportunities have not been taken lightly by students in the program. Many, like sophomore Mikayla Conley, never imagined attending college for fear of financial obstacles. After being selected for Marshall for All, however, her whole life changed.

“For the first time in my life, I felt taken care of, and I felt what it was like to be free of financial anxiety,” Conley said. “From help with housing to help with books for classes and school supplies, Marshall for All has supported me on all ends.”

The support has been extended to hundreds of students, who are now staring down the path of a debt-free graduation. 

“I am just incredibly grateful to have come to Marshall at a time when this program existed, and I truly believe it will continue to change the lives of more and more students,” Conley said.

Claire Johnson can be contacted at [email protected].