Marymount University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Marymount University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (4,060 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marymount University is located in Arlington, VA (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Marymount University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marymount University 14:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Marymount University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marymount 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 Marymount University ($11,744 vs. $31,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 24% lower than at Marymount University ($12,916 vs. $17,000).
• Marymount University is 351.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $31,864 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.4% higher at Marymount University than at Shepherd University (about $21,838 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Marymount University as at Shepherd University (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marymount University students is 216.3% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($26,069 vs. $8,241).

Marymount University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marymount University (1070) is 60 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Marymount University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marymount University 970/1170; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marymount University 20/28; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marymount University - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Marymount University (3.38).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Marymount University (93.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Marymount University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Marymount University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marymount 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).

• Marymount University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Marymount University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,400 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 Marymount University graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marymount University graduates ($229 vs. $258).
• More Marymount University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.