UMES vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, MD with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than UMES based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 3,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Maryland Eastern Shore is located in Princess Anne, MD (Distant Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Maryland Eastern Shore 11:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

UMES vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UMES 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 UMES ($11,744 vs. $13,311).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Maryland Eastern Shore are 12.1% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,351 vs. $12,916).
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $20 more per year; $9,076.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.5% higher at UMES than at Shepherd University (about $1,040 more per year; $20,122.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Maryland Eastern Shore than at Shepherd University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Maryland Eastern Shore students is 54.4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($12,728 vs. $8,241).

UMES vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UMES 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 UMES.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 80 points higher than at UMES (930).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at UMES).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Maryland Eastern Shore 840/1010; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Maryland Eastern Shore 16/19; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UMES - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UMES Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at UMES (3.07).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than UMES (96.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at UMES vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

UMES vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UMES 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 Maryland Eastern Shore's (31%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than UMES graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,777 lower median loan debt than UMES graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UMES graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UMES students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 23%)

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.