Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, CO with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (18,453 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Metropolitan State University of Denver 14:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State University of Denver 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver ($11,744 vs. $14,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 23.1% lower than at Metropolitan State University of Denver ($12,916 vs. $16,785).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is 22.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $2,068 more per year; $11,124.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.8% higher at Metropolitan State University of Denver than at Shepherd University (about $11,602 more per year; $30,684.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Metropolitan State University of Denver (96% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Metropolitan State University of Denver students is 19.1% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,813 vs. $8,241).

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Metropolitan State University of Denver 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Metropolitan State University of Denver (1010) is the same as at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Metropolitan State University of Denver 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: Metropolitan State University of Denver 880/1130; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 17/26; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Metropolitan State University of Denver - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University of Denver Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Metropolitan State University of Denver (3.03).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Shepherd University (96.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.1% at Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State University of Denver 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver's (21%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University of Denver earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,027 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($229 vs. $250).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University of Denver students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 47%)

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.