Shepherd University vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than West Liberty University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 2,299 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Shepherd University vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shepherd University or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University ($11,744 vs. $13,655).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Liberty University are 1.5% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,728 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $163 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.4% higher at Shepherd University than at West Liberty University (about $1,640 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at West Liberty University (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shepherd University students is 13.7% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($8,241 vs. $7,248).

Shepherd University vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shepherd University or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University and Shepherd University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is the same as at West Liberty University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at West Liberty University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 878/1140; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 19/24; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shepherd University - Test optional; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at West Liberty University (3.53).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Shepherd University (96.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.7% at Shepherd University vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

Shepherd University vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shepherd University and West Liberty 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).

• The graduation rate at Shepherd University is the same as at West Liberty University (46% vs. 46%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,394 lower median loan debt than West Liberty University graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,617).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Liberty University graduates ($229 vs. $254).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 49%)

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.