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Marshall University vs Shepherd University

Marshall University is a public university in Huntington, WV. Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. Marshall University admits about 96% of applicants and Shepherd University about 97%, making Marshall University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $7,502 a year at Marshall University after aid, and about $11,363 at Shepherd University. About 50% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, Shepherd University alumni earn a median of about $49,358, against $46,354 for Marshall University.

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Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Huntington, WV
Shepherdstown, WV
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
7,266
2,344
Acceptance rate
96%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1150
878–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,502
$11,363
Full cost / yr
$22,022
$19,601
In-state tuition
$9,162
$9,056
Out-of-state tuition
$20,342
$19,082
Application fee
$40
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,648
$7,906
$30k - $48k
$4,430
$7,753
$48k - $75k
$6,837
$10,107
$75k - $110k
$11,227
$14,000
Over $110k
$15,076
$15,866
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
50%
Freshman retention
72%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,561
$43,726
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,354
$49,358
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
29%
First-generation students
37%
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 Marshall University or Shepherd University harder to get into?
Marshall University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% 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, Marshall University or Shepherd University?
Marshall University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,502 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 Marshall University and Shepherd University?
Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and Marshall University about $22,022. 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, Marshall University or Shepherd University?
Marshall University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,648 there, against about $7,906 at Shepherd University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Marshall University or Shepherd University?
Marshall University is the larger of the two, with about 7,266 undergraduates against 2,344 at Shepherd University.
Does Marshall University or Shepherd University have a better graduation rate?
Both graduate about 50% of their students.
Do graduates of Marshall 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 $46,354 for Marshall University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Marshall University and Shepherd University require SAT or ACT scores?
Marshall 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 Marshall University and Shepherd University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1150 at Marshall University and 878–1140 at Shepherd University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school