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Salem University vs Shepherd University

Salem University is a private for-profit university in Salem, WV. Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. Shepherd University admits about 97% of applicants and Salem University about 100%, making Shepherd University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,363 a year at Shepherd University after aid, and about $12,303 at Salem University. About 50% of students graduate at Shepherd University, compared with 24% at Salem University. Ten years after enrolling, Shepherd University alumni earn a median of about $49,358, against $34,642 for Salem University.

Salem University

Salem, WV · Private (for-profit)

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
Salem, WV
Shepherdstown, WV
Setting
Rural
Rural
Undergraduates
892
2,344
Acceptance rate
100%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
878–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,303
$11,363
Full cost / yr
$18,650
$19,601
In-state tuition
$11,900
$9,056
Out-of-state tuition
$11,900
$19,082
Application fee
Not reported
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,886
$7,906
$30k - $48k
$10,753
$7,753
$48k - $75k
$11,154
$10,107
$75k - $110k
$14,107
$14,000
Over $110k
$14,716
$15,866
Outcomes
Graduation rate
24%
50%
Freshman retention
55%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$31,612
$43,726
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,642
$49,358
Median debt at graduation
$24,694
$21,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
75%
29%
First-generation students
54%
41%
International students
10%
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 Salem University or Shepherd University harder to get into?
Shepherd University is harder to get into. It admits about 97% of applicants, compared with 100% at Salem 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, Salem University or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,363 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,303 at Salem 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 Salem University and Shepherd University?
Before aid, Salem University costs about $18,650 a year and Shepherd University about $19,601. 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, Salem University or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $9,886 at Salem University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Salem University or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University is the larger of the two, with about 2,344 undergraduates against 892 at Salem University.
Does Salem University or Shepherd University have a better graduation rate?
Shepherd University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 24% at Salem University.
Do graduates of Salem 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 $34,642 for Salem University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Salem University and Shepherd University require SAT or ACT scores?
Salem 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.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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