Central State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central State University in Wilberforce, 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 Central State University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Central State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central 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 Central State University than Shepherd University ($11,398 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 6.9% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,026 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $998 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.7% higher at Shepherd University than at Central State University (about $9,024 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 126.4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($18,654 vs. $8,241).

Central State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 150 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Shepherd University (96.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Central State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central 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 Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $16,777 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $174 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($229 vs. $403).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 16%)

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.