Shepherd University vs. Ascent College

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than Ascent College based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 83 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shepherd University is located in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting); Ascent College is in Gainesville, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ascent College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shepherd University 17:1; Ascent College 8:1.

Shepherd University vs. Ascent College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shepherd University or Ascent College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ascent College are 7.4% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,960 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ascent College (about $506 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.2% higher at Shepherd University than at Ascent College (about $10,532 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Ascent College (96% vs. 0%).

Shepherd University vs. Ascent College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shepherd University or Ascent College? 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 Ascent College and Shepherd University.

• Ascent College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shepherd University - Test optional; Ascent College - Open admission.

Shepherd University vs. Ascent College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shepherd University and Ascent College? 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).

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.