Central Washington University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Central Washington University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($11,744 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 21.6% lower than at Central Washington University ($12,916 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $361 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.3% higher at Central Washington University than at Shepherd University (about $8,444 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Central Washington University (96% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Washington University students is 7% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($8,816 vs. $8,241).

Central Washington University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Washington University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Central Washington University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington 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).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $1,486 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($20,737 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($214 vs. $229).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.