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Shepherd University vs West Virginia University

Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV, and West Virginia University is a public university in Morgantown, WV. West Virginia University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 97% at Shepherd University. Shepherd University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,363 a year against $15,634 at West Virginia University. About 63% of students graduate at West Virginia University, compared with 50% at Shepherd University. Ten years after enrolling, West Virginia University alumni earn a median of about $55,939, against $49,358 for Shepherd University.

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Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Shepherdstown, WV
Morgantown, WV
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
2,344
17,385
Acceptance rate
97%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
878–1140
1010–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,363
$15,634
Full cost / yr
$19,601
$26,415
In-state tuition
$9,056
$10,104
Out-of-state tuition
$19,082
$28,608
Application fee
$45
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,906
$9,450
$30k - $48k
$7,753
$12,501
$48k - $75k
$10,107
$14,179
$75k - $110k
$14,000
$18,710
Over $110k
$15,866
$20,273
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
63%
Freshman retention
71%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,726
$45,181
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,358
$55,939
Median debt at graduation
$21,600
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
22%
First-generation students
41%
30%
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 West Virginia University harder to get into?
West Virginia University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% 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 University?
Shepherd University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,363 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,634 at West Virginia 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 University?
Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and West Virginia University about $26,415. 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 University?
Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $9,450 at West Virginia 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 University?
West Virginia University is the larger of the two, with about 17,385 undergraduates against 2,344 at Shepherd University.
Does Shepherd University or West Virginia University have a better graduation rate?
West Virginia University has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 50% at Shepherd University.
Do graduates of Shepherd University or West Virginia University earn more?
West Virginia University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,939 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,358 for Shepherd University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Shepherd University and West Virginia University require SAT or ACT scores?
Shepherd University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. West Virginia University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Shepherd University and West Virginia University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 878–1140 at Shepherd University and 1010–1220 at West Virginia 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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