Lamar University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Lamar University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar 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 Lamar University than Shepherd University ($9,814 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 19% lower than at Shepherd University ($10,464 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 1.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $151 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Shepherd University than at Lamar University (about $337 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Lamar University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 48.8% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($12,263 vs. $8,241).

Lamar University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lamar 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 Lamar University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Lamar University 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: Lamar University 930/1140; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Lamar University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar 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 Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $223 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($22,000 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($227 vs. $229).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 42%)

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.