Shepherd University vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shepherd University is located in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shepherd University 17:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

Shepherd University vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shepherd University or Wheeling 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 Wheeling University ($11,744 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheeling University are 3.5% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,470 vs. $12,916).
• Wheeling University is 229.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $20,819 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.6% higher at Wheeling University than at Shepherd University (about $10,793 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 166.1% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($21,931 vs. $8,241).

Shepherd University vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheeling University (1070) is 60 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Wheeling University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 878/1140; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shepherd University 19/24; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shepherd University - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.7% at Shepherd University vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

Shepherd University vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shepherd University and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,777 lower median loan debt than Wheeling University graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.