Potomac State College of West Virginia University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University is located in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than Shepherd University ($9,541 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Potomac State College of West Virginia University are 2.6% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,580 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 71.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $3,776 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.6% higher at Shepherd University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $5,882 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shepherd University students is 19.6% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($8,241 vs. $6,890).

Potomac State College of West Virginia University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (3.06).

Potomac State College of West Virginia University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Potomac State College of West Virginia 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $1,778 lower median loan debt than Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates ($229 vs. $248).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.