Shepherd University vs West Virginia State University
Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. West Virginia State University is a public university in Institute, WV. West Virginia State University admits about 96% of applicants and Shepherd University about 97%, making West Virginia State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,139 a year at West Virginia State University after aid, and about $11,363 at Shepherd University. About 50% of students graduate at Shepherd University, compared with 36% at West Virginia State University. Ten years after enrolling, Shepherd University alumni earn a median of about $49,358, against $40,492 for West Virginia State University.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
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.
- Is Shepherd University or West Virginia State University harder to get into?
- West Virginia State 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, Shepherd University or West Virginia State University?
- West Virginia State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,139 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 West Virginia State University?
- Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and West Virginia State University about $19,772. 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 Virginia State University?
- Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $9,457 at West Virginia State 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 Virginia State University?
- Shepherd University is the larger of the two, with about 2,344 undergraduates against 1,321 at West Virginia State University.
- Does Shepherd University or West Virginia State University have a better graduation rate?
- Shepherd University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 36% at West Virginia State University.
- Do graduates of Shepherd University or West Virginia State University earn more?
- Shepherd University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,358 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,492 for West Virginia State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Shepherd University and West Virginia State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Shepherd University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. West Virginia State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Shepherd University and West Virginia State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 878–1140 at Shepherd University and 760–1040 at West Virginia State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.