Alfred State College vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare SUNY College of Technology at Alfred in Alfred, NY with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (3,781 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is located in Alfred, NY (Rural Fringe setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 16:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Alfred State College vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alfred State College 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 Alfred State College ($11,744 vs. $15,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 11.7% lower than at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred ($12,916 vs. $14,624).
• Shepherd University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alfred State College (about $164 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,892.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.3% higher at Shepherd University than at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (about $2,245 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $16,837.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by SUNY College of Technology at Alfred students is 20.9% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,966 vs. $8,241).

Alfred State College vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alfred State College 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 Alfred State College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (1100) is 90 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Alfred State College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 990/1200; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 20/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alfred State College - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Alfred State College (3.1).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Alfred State College (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16% at Alfred State College vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Alfred State College vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alfred State College 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).

• SUNY College of Technology at Alfred's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from SUNY College of Technology at Alfred earn a median of about $600 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,100 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates have a $7,349 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($14,874 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, Alfred State College graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($153 vs. $229).
• More Alfred State College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.