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Davis & Elkins College vs Shepherd University

Davis & Elkins College is a private college in Elkins, WV, and Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. Davis & Elkins College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 94% of applicants against 97% at Shepherd University. Shepherd University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,363 a year against $18,273 at Davis & Elkins College. About 50% of students graduate at Shepherd University, compared with 38% at Davis & Elkins College. Ten years after enrolling, Shepherd University alumni earn a median of about $49,358, against $43,411 for Davis & Elkins College.

Davis & Elkins College

Elkins, WV · Private

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Elkins, WV
Shepherdstown, WV
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
661
2,344
Acceptance rate
94%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.14–3.64
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1125
878–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
1–14
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,273
$11,363
Full cost / yr
$44,888
$19,601
In-state tuition
$31,820
$9,056
Out-of-state tuition
$31,820
$19,082
Application fee
Not reported
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,999
$7,906
$30k - $48k
$17,005
$7,753
$48k - $75k
$15,690
$10,107
$75k - $110k
$19,465
$14,000
Over $110k
$22,496
$15,866
Outcomes
Graduation rate
38%
50%
Freshman retention
65%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,495
$43,726
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,411
$49,358
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$21,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
29%
First-generation students
48%
41%
International students
15%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Davis & Elkins College or Shepherd University harder to get into?
Davis & Elkins College is harder to get into. It admits about 94% of applicants, compared with 97% at Shepherd University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Davis & Elkins College or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,363 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,273 at Davis & Elkins College. 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 Davis & Elkins College and Shepherd University?
Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and Davis & Elkins College about $44,888. 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, Davis & Elkins College or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $15,999 at Davis & Elkins College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Davis & Elkins College or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University is the larger of the two, with about 2,344 undergraduates against 661 at Davis & Elkins College.
Does Davis & Elkins College or Shepherd University have a better graduation rate?
Shepherd University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 38% at Davis & Elkins College.
Do graduates of Davis & Elkins College or Shepherd University earn more?
Shepherd University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,358 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,411 for Davis & Elkins College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Davis & Elkins College and Shepherd University require SAT or ACT scores?
Davis & Elkins College 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 Davis & Elkins College and Shepherd University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1125 at Davis & Elkins College and 878–1140 at Shepherd University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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