Hampshire College vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hampshire College in Amherst, MA with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hampshire College is located in Amherst, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Hampshire College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hampshire College 13:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Hampshire College vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire College 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 Hampshire College ($11,744 vs. $27,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 19.1% lower than at Hampshire College ($12,916 vs. $15,958).
• Hampshire College is 550.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $49,840 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 208.6% higher at Hampshire College than at Shepherd University (about $39,814 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hampshire College than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hampshire College students is 459.9% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($46,145 vs. $8,241).

Hampshire College vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hampshire College 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 Hampshire College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hampshire College - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hampshire College Jan 15, 2027.
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Hampshire College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at Hampshire College vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Hampshire College vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hampshire College 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).

• Hampshire College's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Hampshire College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $1,308 lower median loan debt than Hampshire College graduates ($22,223 vs. $23,531).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hampshire College graduates ($229 vs. $243).
• More Hampshire College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.