NSU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

NSU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 Norfolk State University than Shepherd University ($9,124 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 10.3% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,591 vs. $12,916).
• Norfolk State University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $1,124 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.6% higher at NSU than at Shepherd University (about $2,600 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Norfolk State University (96% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 82.7% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($15,056 vs. $8,241).

NSU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 80 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

NSU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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 Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $8,777 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($22,223 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($229 vs. $320).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 27%)

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.