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Fairmont State University vs Shepherd University

Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, WV. Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. Shepherd University admits about 97% of applicants and Fairmont State University about 99%, making Shepherd University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,032 a year at Fairmont State University after aid, and about $11,363 at Shepherd University. About 50% of students graduate at Shepherd University, compared with 46% at Fairmont State University. Ten years after enrolling, Shepherd University alumni earn a median of about $49,358, against $46,857 for Fairmont State University.

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Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV · Public

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairmont, WV
Shepherdstown, WV
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,590
2,344
Acceptance rate
99%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
810–1070
878–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
19–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,032
$11,363
Full cost / yr
$20,018
$19,601
In-state tuition
$8,708
$9,056
Out-of-state tuition
$18,924
$19,082
Application fee
Not reported
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,434
$7,906
$30k - $48k
$8,679
$7,753
$48k - $75k
$10,505
$10,107
$75k - $110k
$11,184
$14,000
Over $110k
$6,945
$15,866
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
50%
Freshman retention
67%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,197
$43,726
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,857
$49,358
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$21,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
29%
First-generation students
41%
41%
International students
1%
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 Fairmont State University or Shepherd University harder to get into?
Shepherd University is harder to get into. It admits about 97% of applicants, compared with 99% at Fairmont State 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, Fairmont State University or Shepherd University?
Fairmont State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,032 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $11,363 at Shepherd 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 Fairmont State University and Shepherd University?
Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and Fairmont State University about $20,018. 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, Fairmont State University or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $8,434 at Fairmont State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fairmont State University or Shepherd University?
Fairmont State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,590 undergraduates against 2,344 at Shepherd University.
Does Fairmont State University or Shepherd University have a better graduation rate?
Shepherd University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 46% at Fairmont State University.
Do graduates of Fairmont 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 $46,857 for Fairmont State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fairmont State University and Shepherd University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fairmont State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Shepherd University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Fairmont State University and Shepherd University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 810–1070 at Fairmont State University and 878–1140 at Shepherd University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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