Bluefield State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluefield State University in Bluefield, 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 Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield State University is located in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield State University 13:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Bluefield State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University 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 Bluefield State University ($11,744 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 10.9% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,512 vs. $12,916).
• Bluefield State University is 17.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $1,592 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.8% higher at Shepherd University than at Bluefield State University (about $706 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Shepherd University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 19.1% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,814 vs. $8,241).

Bluefield State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluefield State University 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 Bluefield State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 30 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 870/1080; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 17/22; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Shepherd University (96.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.8% at Bluefield State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Bluefield State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield State University 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 Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $3,223 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($19,000 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($196 vs. $229).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 30%)

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.