Kean vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Kean University in Union, NJ with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kean University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (13,905 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kean University is located in Union, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Kean University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kean University 17:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Kean vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kean 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 Kean ($11,744 vs. $12,708).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 29.3% lower than at Kean University ($12,916 vs. $18,264).
• Kean University is 57.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $5,243 more per year; $14,299.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at Kean than at Shepherd University (about $3,364 more per year; $22,446.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Kean University (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kean University students is 82.6% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($15,048 vs. $8,241).

Kean vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kean 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 Kean.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kean University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kean University 930/1150; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kean - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kean Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Kean (3.2).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Kean (75.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.7% at Kean vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Kean vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kean 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).

• Kean University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Kean University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,777 lower median loan debt than Kean graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kean graduates ($229 vs. $258).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kean students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 52%)

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.