SU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Shenandoah University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shenandoah University is located in Winchester, VA (Small City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shenandoah University 12:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

SU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SU 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 SU ($11,744 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 3.3% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,490 vs. $12,916).
• Shenandoah University is 308% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $27,894 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.6% higher at SU than at Shepherd University (about $17,868 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 200.3% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($24,747 vs. $8,241).

SU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SU 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 SU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shenandoah University (1120) is 110 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming SU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shenandoah University 1010/1230; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shenandoah University 19/26; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SU - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Shepherd University (3.6).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at SU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

SU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SU 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,777 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($229 vs. $258).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.