Bluefield State University vs Shepherd University
Bluefield State University is a public university in Bluefield, WV. Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. Both admit about 97% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $11,363 a year at Shepherd University after aid, and about $13,684 at Bluefield State University. About 50% of students graduate at Shepherd University, compared with 36% at Bluefield State University. Ten years after enrolling, Shepherd University alumni earn a median of about $49,358, against $38,217 for Bluefield State University.
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At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Bluefield, WV
Shepherdstown, WV
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,042
2,344
Acceptance rate
97%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1080
878–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,684
$11,363
Full cost / yr
$21,839
$19,601
In-state tuition
$10,648
$9,056
Out-of-state tuition
$18,376
$19,082
Application fee
Not reported
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,810
$7,906
$30k - $48k
$10,703
$7,753
$48k - $75k
$14,630
$10,107
$75k - $110k
$17,058
$14,000
Over $110k
$16,242
$15,866
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
50%
Freshman retention
55%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,030
$43,726
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,217
$49,358
Median debt at graduation
$18,250
$21,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
29%
First-generation students
49%
41%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jul 25
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Bluefield State University or Shepherd University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 97% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Bluefield State University or Shepherd University?
- Shepherd University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,363 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,684 at Bluefield State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Bluefield State University and Shepherd University?
- Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and Bluefield State University about $21,839. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bluefield State University or Shepherd University?
- Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $11,810 at Bluefield State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Bluefield State University or Shepherd University?
- Shepherd University is the larger of the two, with about 2,344 undergraduates against 1,042 at Bluefield State University.
- Does Bluefield State University or Shepherd University have a better graduation rate?
- Shepherd University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 36% at Bluefield State University.
- Do graduates of Bluefield State University or Shepherd University earn more?
- Shepherd University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,358 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,217 for Bluefield State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Bluefield State University and Shepherd University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Bluefield State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shepherd University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Bluefield State University and Shepherd University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 870–1080 at Bluefield State University and 878–1140 at Shepherd University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Bluefield State University vs University of CharlestonBluefield State University vs Concord UniversityBluefield State University vs West Virginia State UniversityShepherd University vs University of CharlestonShepherd University vs Concord UniversityShepherd University vs West Virginia State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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