WestConn vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Connecticut State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (4,169 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

WestConn vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn 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 WestConn ($11,744 vs. $17,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 17.5% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($12,916 vs. $15,659).
• Western Connecticut State University is 48% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $4,345 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Shepherd University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $2,181 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Western Connecticut State University (96% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 56.2% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($12,870 vs. $8,241).

WestConn vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn 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 WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 100 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than WestConn (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

WestConn vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn 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 Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,777 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($229 vs. $258).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.