Bethany College vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bethany College vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethany College 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 Bethany College ($11,744 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 2.2% lower than at Bethany College ($12,916 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 306% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $27,709 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.7% higher at Bethany College than at Shepherd University (about $17,683 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 284% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($31,646 vs. $8,241).

Bethany College vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethany College 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 Bethany College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming Bethany College 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: Bethany College 870/1110; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany College 18/26; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethany College - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.75 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bethany College vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Bethany College vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethany College 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $8,661 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($22,223 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($229 vs. $319).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 53%)

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.