Salem University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem University in Salem, 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 Salem University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem University is located in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem University 19:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Salem University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem 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 Salem University than Shepherd University ($10,231 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 35% lower than at Shepherd University ($8,400 vs. $12,916).
• Salem University is 31.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $2,844 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.4% higher at Shepherd University than at Salem University (about $7,182 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem University students is 4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($8,569 vs. $8,241).

Salem University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• Salem 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: Salem University - Open admission; Shepherd University - Test optional.

Salem University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem 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 Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,395 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($22,223 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($229 vs. $275).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University 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.