University of Akron vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Akron Main Campus is located in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Akron Main Campus 17:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

University of Akron vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Akron 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 University of Akron ($11,744 vs. $14,693).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 7.8% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,904 vs. $12,916).
• University of Akron Main Campus is 45% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $4,079 more per year; $13,135.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at University of Akron than at Shepherd University (about $1,733 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at University of Akron Main Campus (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students is 40.2% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($11,551 vs. $8,241).

University of Akron vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Akron 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 University of Akron.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Akron Main Campus (1050) is 40 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming University of Akron 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: University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 17/25; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Akron - Open admission; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at University of Akron (3.47).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at University of Akron vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

University of Akron vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Akron 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $3,277 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($229 vs. $263).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 45%)

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.