Old Dominion vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Old Dominion University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Old Dominion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Old Dominion University 13:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Old Dominion vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion ($11,744 vs. $16,419).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 13.2% lower than at Old Dominion University ($12,916 vs. $14,878).
• Old Dominion University is 40.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $3,694 more per year; $12,750.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77% higher at Old Dominion than at Shepherd University (about $14,698 more per year; $33,780.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Old Dominion University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Old Dominion University students is 42.5% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($11,740 vs. $8,241).

Old Dominion vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Old Dominion University (1190) is 180 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Old Dominion students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Old Dominion University 1100/1280; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Old Dominion University 24/29; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Old Dominion - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Old Dominion (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Old Dominion vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Old Dominion vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Old Dominion 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).

• Old Dominion University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Old Dominion University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $1,277 lower median loan debt than Old Dominion graduates ($22,223 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Old Dominion graduates ($229 vs. $242).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.