Montclair State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Montclair State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montclair State University is located in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montclair State University 18:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Montclair State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Montclair State 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 Montclair State University ($11,744 vs. $17,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 22.8% lower than at Montclair State University ($12,916 vs. $16,730).
• Montclair State University is 75.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $6,856 more per year; $15,912.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.4% higher at Montclair State University than at Shepherd University (about $6,940 more per year; $26,022.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Montclair State University (96% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montclair State University students is 49.8% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($12,341 vs. $8,241).

Montclair State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Montclair State 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 Montclair State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Montclair State University (1060) is 50 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montclair State University 910/1210; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Montclair State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Montclair State University (3.3).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Montclair State University (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Montclair State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Montclair State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Montclair State 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).

• Montclair State University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Montclair State University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $776 lower median loan debt than Montclair State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $22,999).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Montclair State University graduates ($229 vs. $237).
• More Montclair State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.