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Shepherd University vs West Liberty University

Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV, and West Liberty University is a public university in West Liberty, WV. Both admit about 97% of applicants. Shepherd University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,363 a year against $15,366 at West Liberty University. About 60% of students graduate at West Liberty University, compared with 50% at Shepherd University. Ten years after enrolling, Shepherd University alumni earn a median of about $49,358, against $43,296 for West Liberty University.

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Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public

West Liberty University

West Liberty, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Shepherdstown, WV
West Liberty, WV
Setting
Rural
Rural
Undergraduates
2,344
1,511
Acceptance rate
97%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
878–1140
890–1123
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,363
$15,366
Full cost / yr
$19,601
$23,809
In-state tuition
$9,056
$8,893
Out-of-state tuition
$19,082
$17,442
Application fee
$45
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,906
$12,714
$30k - $48k
$7,753
$14,460
$48k - $75k
$10,107
$15,087
$75k - $110k
$14,000
$17,362
Over $110k
$15,866
$18,566
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
60%
Freshman retention
71%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,726
$36,822
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,358
$43,296
Median debt at graduation
$21,600
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
32%
First-generation students
41%
36%
International students
1%
3%
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 West Liberty University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 97% of applicants. 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 West Liberty University?
Shepherd University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,363 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,366 at West Liberty 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 West Liberty University?
Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and West Liberty University about $23,809. 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 West Liberty University?
Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $12,714 at West Liberty University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Shepherd University or West Liberty University?
Shepherd University is the larger of the two, with about 2,344 undergraduates against 1,511 at West Liberty University.
Does Shepherd University or West Liberty University have a better graduation rate?
West Liberty University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 50% at Shepherd University.
Do graduates of Shepherd University or West Liberty University earn more?
Shepherd University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,358 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,296 for West Liberty University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Shepherd University and West Liberty University require SAT or ACT scores?
Shepherd University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. West Liberty University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Shepherd University and West Liberty University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 878–1140 at Shepherd University and 890–1123 at West Liberty 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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