Westfield State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Westfield State University in Westfield, MA with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Westfield State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (4,588 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Westfield State University is located in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Westfield State University 17:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Westfield State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Westfield State 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 Westfield State University ($11,744 vs. $17,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 7.9% lower than at Westfield State University ($12,916 vs. $14,018).
• Westfield State University is 34.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $3,123 more per year; $12,179.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Shepherd University than at Westfield State University (about $823 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $18,259.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Westfield State University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westfield State University students is 9.9% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,054 vs. $8,241).

Westfield State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Westfield State 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 Westfield State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westfield State University (1090) is 80 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Westfield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westfield State University 980/1190; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westfield State University 17/22; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Westfield State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Westfield State University (3.3).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Westfield State University (81.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.2% at Westfield State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Westfield State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Westfield State 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).

• Westfield State University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Westfield State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $527 lower median loan debt than Westfield State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Westfield State University graduates ($229 vs. $235).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.