Marshall University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marshall University is located in Huntington, WV (Small City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marshall University 16:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Marshall University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marshall 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 Marshall University than Shepherd University ($8,076 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 2.8% lower than at Marshall University ($12,916 vs. $13,292).
• Marshall University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $106 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.6% higher at Marshall University than at Shepherd University (about $1,260 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Shepherd University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 63.2% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($13,448 vs. $8,241).

Marshall University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Marshall 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: Marshall University 910/1150; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marshall University 19/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marshall University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Shepherd University (3.6).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Marshall University (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.1% at Marshall University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Marshall University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marshall 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 Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $911 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($22,223 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($229 vs. $239).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 43%)

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.