MBC vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

MBC vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC 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 MBC ($11,744 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 11.7% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,411 vs. $12,916).
• Mary Baldwin University is 277.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $25,096 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79% higher at MBC than at Shepherd University (about $15,070 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 241.4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($28,135 vs. $8,241).

MBC vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC 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 MBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming MBC 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: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 18/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at MBC (3.57).

MBC vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,777 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.