Shepherd University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California Merced is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shepherd University is located in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shepherd University 17:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Shepherd University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shepherd University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced ($11,744 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 39.8% lower than at University of California Merced ($12,916 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 72.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $6,567 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161.1% higher at UC Merced than at Shepherd University (about $30,741 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at University of California Merced (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 231.2% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($27,292 vs. $8,241).

Shepherd University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shepherd University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced and Shepherd University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Merced (1050) is 40 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at UC Merced (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 878/1140; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 19/24; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shepherd University - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at UC Merced (3.55).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than UC Merced (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.7% at Shepherd University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Shepherd University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shepherd University and UC Merced? 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).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $2,324 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($19,899 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($205 vs. $229).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.