Salem State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Salem State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State 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 Salem State University ($11,744 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 23.3% lower than at Salem State University ($12,916 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 36.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $3,282 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at Salem State University than at Shepherd University (about $449 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Shepherd University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 25.2% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($10,319 vs. $8,241).

Salem State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 70 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Salem State University (95.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Salem State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State 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 State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $1,777 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($229 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University 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.