Tarleton vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Tarleton State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tarleton State University is located in Stephenville, TX (Remote Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Tarleton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tarleton State University 20:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Tarleton vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tarleton 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 Tarleton ($11,744 vs. $16,159).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tarleton State University are 15.5% lower than at Shepherd University ($10,920 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 9.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $754 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at Shepherd University than at Tarleton State University (about $940 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $18,142.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Tarleton State University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shepherd University students is 3.9% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($8,241 vs. $7,929).

Tarleton vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tarleton 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 Tarleton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tarleton State University (1070) is 60 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Tarleton 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: Tarleton State University 980/1160; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tarleton State University 19/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tarleton - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Tarleton (3.21).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Tarleton (89.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.3% at Tarleton vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Tarleton vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tarleton 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 Tarleton State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Tarleton State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $2,473 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($19,750 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($204 vs. $229).
• More Tarleton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.