University of West Alabama vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of West Alabama is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (6,820 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama ($11,744 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 36.3% lower than at Shepherd University ($8,230 vs. $12,916).
• University of West Alabama is 21.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $1,934 more per year; $10,990.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at University of West Alabama than at Shepherd University (about $1,008 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at University of West Alabama (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of West Alabama students is 9.7% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,037 vs. $8,241).

University of West Alabama vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 20 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

University of West Alabama vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than University of West Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,266 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($22,223 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($229 vs. $273).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 36%)

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.