Hiram vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hiram College in Hiram, 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 Hiram based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,061 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hiram College is located in Hiram, OH (Distant Rural setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Hiram College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hiram College 11:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Hiram vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hiram 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 Hiram ($11,744 vs. $21,868).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hiram College are 8.3% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,850 vs. $12,916).
• Hiram College is 204.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $18,544 more per year; $27,600.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.6% higher at Hiram than at Shepherd University (about $8,518 more per year; $27,600.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hiram College than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hiram College students is 127.2% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($18,726 vs. $8,241).

Hiram vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hiram 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 Hiram.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 10 points higher than at Hiram (1000).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Hiram).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hiram College 890/1100; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hiram College 16/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hiram - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Hiram (3.28).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Hiram (93.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Hiram vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Hiram vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hiram 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).

• Hiram College's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Hiram College earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,777 lower median loan debt than Hiram graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hiram graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More Hiram graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.