Pfeiffer University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pfeiffer University is located in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pfeiffer University 11:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Pfeiffer University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University ($11,744 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pfeiffer University are 0.5% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,850 vs. $12,916).
• Pfeiffer University is 287.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $26,014 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.8% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Shepherd University (about $15,988 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 214.9% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($25,951 vs. $8,241).

Pfeiffer University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pfeiffer University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Pfeiffer University 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: Pfeiffer University 891/1165; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 18/25; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pfeiffer University - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Pfeiffer University (96%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Pfeiffer University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Pfeiffer University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pfeiffer 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).

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Pfeiffer University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $41,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $176 lower median loan debt than Pfeiffer University graduates ($22,223 vs. $22,399).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pfeiffer University graduates ($229 vs. $231).
• More Pfeiffer University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.