NSU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (3,708 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern State University 19:1; 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 Shepherd University than NSU ($11,744 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern State University are 17.9% lower than at Shepherd University ($10,600 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $211 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.7% higher at Shepherd University than at Northern State University (about $7,135 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Shepherd University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shepherd University students is 27.9% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($8,241 vs. $6,441).

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 Northern State University (1070) is 60 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming NSU 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: Northern State University 980/1160; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at NSU (3.37).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than NSU (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% 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 Northern State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,176 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($229 vs. $252).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.