Bowie State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Bowie State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie 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 Bowie State University ($11,744 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 5.2% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,241 vs. $12,916).
• Bowie State University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $162 more per year; $9,218.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Bowie State University than at Shepherd University (about $856 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Bowie State University (96% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shepherd University students is 20.9% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($8,241 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 70 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Bowie State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie 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 Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,168 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,391).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($229 vs. $252).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 29%)

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.