Longwood University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Longwood University in Farmville, VA with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Longwood University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (4,612 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Longwood University is located in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Longwood University 15:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Longwood University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Longwood 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 Shepherd University than Longwood University ($11,744 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 25.9% lower than at Longwood University ($12,916 vs. $17,424).
• Longwood University is 73.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $6,688 more per year; $15,744.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.6% higher at Longwood University than at Shepherd University (about $8,896 more per year; $27,978.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Longwood University than at Shepherd University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 69.3% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($13,954 vs. $8,241).

Longwood University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Longwood University (1120) is 110 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Longwood University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Longwood University 1030/1210; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Longwood University 19/26; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Longwood University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Longwood University (3.59).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Longwood University (90.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at Longwood University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Longwood University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Longwood 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Longwood University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 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 Longwood University graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Longwood University graduates ($229 vs. $258).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.