Washington Adventist University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, 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 Washington Adventist University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington Adventist University is located in Takoma Park, MD (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Washington Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington Adventist University 9:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Washington Adventist University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington Adventist University 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 Washington Adventist University ($11,744 vs. $18,154).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington Adventist University are 11.6% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,421 vs. $12,916).
• Washington Adventist University is 193.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $17,548 more per year; $26,604.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.4% higher at Washington Adventist University than at Shepherd University (about $7,522 more per year; $26,604.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington Adventist University than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington Adventist University students is 100.5% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($16,527 vs. $8,241).

Washington Adventist University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington Adventist University 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 Washington Adventist University.

• Washington Adventist University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 10 points higher than at Washington Adventist University (1000).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington Adventist University 860/1130; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington Adventist University - Open admission; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington Adventist University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Washington Adventist University (3.24).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Washington Adventist University (46.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.3% at Washington Adventist University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Washington Adventist University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington Adventist University 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 Washington Adventist University's (27%).
• Graduates from Washington Adventist University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,900 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $3,816 lower median loan debt than Washington Adventist University graduates ($22,223 vs. $26,039).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington Adventist University graduates ($229 vs. $269).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 39%)

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.