Centenary University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Centenary University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Centenary 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 Centenary University ($11,744 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 2.8% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,552 vs. $12,916).
• Centenary University is 316.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $28,676 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.7% higher at Centenary University than at Shepherd University (about $18,650 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 259.4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($29,617 vs. $8,241).

Centenary University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Centenary University (1080) is 70 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Centenary University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centenary University 990/1170; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centenary University 15/22; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Centenary University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Centenary University (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Centenary University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Centenary University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Centenary 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).

• Centenary University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Centenary University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $3,277 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($229 vs. $263).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.