TU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Towson University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (19,401 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Towson University is located in Towson, MD (Small City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Towson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Towson University 14:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

TU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TU 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 TU ($11,744 vs. $16,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 20.6% lower than at Towson University ($12,916 vs. $16,260).
• Towson University is 29.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $2,672 more per year; $11,728.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.3% higher at TU than at Shepherd University (about $10,738 more per year; $29,820.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Towson University (96% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Towson University students is 43.4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($11,820 vs. $8,241).

TU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TU 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 TU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Towson University (1090) is 80 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming TU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 950/1235; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 19/27; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Shepherd University (3.6).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than TU (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at TU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

TU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TU 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).

• Towson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Towson University earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Towson University graduates have a $4,473 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($17,750 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, TU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($183 vs. $229).
• More TU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.