Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Shepherdstown, West Virginia |
| Online | shepherd.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Town Fringe |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Shepherd University, located in historic Shepherdstown, West Virginia, sits along the Potomac River approximately 90 minutes from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. The public liberal arts institution occupies a 323-acre campus characterized by a mix of preserved Colonial-era structures and modern academic facilities, with many buildings constructed from local limestone. Originally established in 1871 as Shepherd College, the institution achieved university status in 2004 and maintains selective admission standards for its undergraduate programs. The university is known for its programs in education, nursing, business administration, and contemporary arts, while also housing the Contemporary American Theater Festival each summer. Residence halls accommodate approximately one-third of the student population, and the university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Rams.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Shepherd University is rated within the lower 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Shepherd University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#866 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#333 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Colleges in West Virginia
#4 in Best Public Colleges in West Virginia
#17 in Best Value Colleges in West Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 930/1170 |
| ACT | 19/24 |
| GPA | 3.6 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Annual Cost to Attend
West Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $1,994 |
| Room and Board | $10,987 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,875 |
| Total One Year Cost | $23,144 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $1,994 |
| Room and Board | $10,987 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,875 |
| Total One Year Cost | $32,630 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 18% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 15% |
| Education | 13% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Shepherd University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=237792 IPEDS survey data for Shepherd University.
Current students may use the Shepherd University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024