WSSU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winston Salem State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

WSSU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU 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 WSSU ($11,744 vs. $12,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 11.1% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,484 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 47.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $2,930 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.7% higher at Shepherd University than at Winston Salem State University (about $2,300 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Winston Salem State University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winston Salem State University students is 22% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($10,057 vs. $8,241).

WSSU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSSU 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 WSSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 80 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at WSSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

WSSU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU 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 Winston Salem State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than WSSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $3,440 lower median loan debt than WSSU graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,663).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSSU graduates ($229 vs. $265).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 33%)

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.