BAC vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than BAC based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,388 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Belmont Abbey College is located in Belmont, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Belmont Abbey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Belmont Abbey College 12:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

BAC vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BAC 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 BAC ($11,744 vs. $24,726).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 0.4% lower than at Belmont Abbey College ($12,916 vs. $12,974).
• Belmont Abbey College is 115.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $10,444 more per year; $19,500.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at BAC than at Shepherd University (about $418 more per year; $19,500.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Belmont Abbey College than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Belmont Abbey College students is 23.4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($10,168 vs. $8,241).

BAC vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BAC 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 BAC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Belmont Abbey College (1080) is 70 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming BAC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 960/1200; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 18/26; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BAC - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at BAC (3.32).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than BAC (74.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at BAC vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

BAC vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BAC 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 Belmont Abbey College's (38%).
• Graduates from Belmont Abbey College earn a median of about $400 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 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 BAC graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BAC graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BAC students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 40%)

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.