Delaware State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Delaware State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (5,327 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Delaware State University is located in Dover, DE (Small City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Delaware State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Delaware State University 17:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Delaware State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Delaware 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 Delaware State University ($11,744 vs. $13,953).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 22.5% lower than at Delaware State University ($12,916 vs. $16,664).
• Delaware State University is 17.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $1,614 more per year; $10,670.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at Delaware State University than at Shepherd University (about $1,552 more per year; $20,634.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Delaware State University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Delaware State University students is 61.5% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($13,309 vs. $8,241).

Delaware State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 100 points higher than at Delaware State University (910).
• Incoming Delaware State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 800/1020; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 20/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Delaware State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Delaware State University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Delaware State University (3.09).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Delaware State University (46.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.7% at Delaware State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Delaware State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Delaware 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 Delaware State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Delaware State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $36,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $6,277 lower median loan debt than Delaware State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Delaware State University graduates ($229 vs. $294).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Delaware State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 32%)

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.