FDU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, NJ with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (8,045 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is located in Teaneck, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 14:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

FDU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FDU 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 FDU ($11,744 vs. $16,920).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 20.6% lower than at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ($12,916 vs. $16,270).
• Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is 319.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $28,948 more per year; $38,004.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.2% higher at FDU than at Shepherd University (about $18,922 more per year; $38,004.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus students is 310.2% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($33,807 vs. $8,241).

FDU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FDU 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 FDU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus (1040) is 30 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming FDU 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: Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 908/1180; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 20/23; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FDU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at FDU (3.31).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than FDU (90.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at FDU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

FDU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FDU 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus's (41%).
• Graduates from Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,900 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $3,777 lower median loan debt than FDU graduates ($22,223 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than FDU graduates ($229 vs. $268).
• More FDU 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.