Capital University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Capital University is located in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Capital University 9:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Capital University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Capital 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 Capital University ($11,744 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 0.5% lower than at Capital University ($12,916 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 377.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $34,178 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.6% higher at Capital University than at Shepherd University (about $24,152 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 318.3% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($34,471 vs. $8,241).

Capital University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Capital 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 Capital University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Capital University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Capital University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Shepherd University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 910/1180; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 18/25; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Capital University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Shepherd University (3.6).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at Capital University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Capital University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Capital 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 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 Capital University graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.