Southern Illinois University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Shepherd 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 Southern Illinois University ($11,744 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 4.5% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,341 vs. $12,916).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 47.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $4,278 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at Shepherd University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $5,748 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 65.1% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($13,610 vs. $8,241).

Southern Illinois University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 20 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Shepherd University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Shepherd 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).

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $277 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($22,223 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($229 vs. $232).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 51%)

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.