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Shepherd University vs American Public University System

Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. American Public University System is a private for-profit university in Charles Town, WV. Shepherd University admits about 97% of applicants and American Public University System about 100%, making Shepherd University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,597 a year at American Public University System after aid, and about $11,363 at Shepherd University. About 55% of students graduate at American Public University System, compared with 50% at Shepherd University. Ten years after enrolling, Shepherd University alumni earn a median of about $49,358, against $44,409 for American Public University System.

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Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Shepherdstown, WV
Charles Town, WV
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,344
40,074
Acceptance rate
97%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
878–1140
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,363
$9,597
Full cost / yr
$19,601
$18,768
In-state tuition
$9,056
$8,400
Out-of-state tuition
$19,082
$8,400
Application fee
$45
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,906
$9,335
$30k - $48k
$7,753
$9,766
$48k - $75k
$10,107
$8,951
$75k - $110k
$14,000
$15,559
Over $110k
$15,866
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
55%
Freshman retention
71%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,726
$32,917
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,358
$44,409
Median debt at graduation
$21,600
$21,743
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
25%
First-generation students
41%
53%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
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 Shepherd University or American Public University System harder to get into?
Shepherd University is harder to get into. It admits about 97% of applicants, compared with 100% at American Public University System. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Shepherd University or American Public University System?
American Public University System is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,597 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 Shepherd University and American Public University System?
Before aid, American Public University System costs about $18,768 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, Shepherd University or American Public University System?
Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $9,335 at American Public University System. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Shepherd University or American Public University System?
American Public University System is the larger of the two, with about 40,074 undergraduates against 2,344 at Shepherd University.
Does Shepherd University or American Public University System have a better graduation rate?
American Public University System has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 50% at Shepherd University.
Do graduates of Shepherd University or American Public University System earn more?
Shepherd University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,358 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,409 for American Public University System. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

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