Shepherd University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shepherd University is located in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shepherd University 17:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Shepherd University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shepherd University or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Shepherd University ($11,055 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 4.5% lower than at West Virginia State University ($12,916 vs. $13,522).
• West Virginia State University is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $514 more per year; $9,570.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.3% higher at Shepherd University than at West Virginia State University (about $4,092 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at West Virginia State University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia State University students is 9.1% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($8,993 vs. $8,241).

Shepherd University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 110 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 878/1140; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 19/24; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shepherd University - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than WVSU (96%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.7% at Shepherd University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Shepherd University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shepherd University and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $1,027 lower median loan debt than WVSU graduates ($22,223 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVSU graduates ($229 vs. $240).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 35%)

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.