AIC vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare American International College in Springfield, MA with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than AIC based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 2,037 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American International College is located in Springfield, MA (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• American International College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American International College 16:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

AIC vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AIC or Shepherd University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Shepherd University than AIC ($11,744 vs. $23,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 22.9% lower than at American International College ($12,916 vs. $16,750).
• American International College is 388.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $35,174 more per year; $44,230.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131.8% higher at AIC than at Shepherd University (about $25,148 more per year; $44,230.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American International College than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American International College students is 339.1% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($36,184 vs. $8,241).

AIC vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AIC or Shepherd University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shepherd University and AIC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American International College (1030) is 20 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American International College 940/1110; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AIC - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AIC Sep 7, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at AIC (2.91).
• AIC has a higher acceptance rate (99.6%) than Shepherd University (96.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at AIC vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

AIC vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AIC and Shepherd University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than American International College's (36%).
• Graduates from American International College earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,777 lower median loan debt than AIC graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AIC graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AIC students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.