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Shepherd University vs West Virginia Wesleyan College

Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private college in Buckhannon, WV. West Virginia Wesleyan College admits about 93% of applicants and Shepherd University about 97%, making West Virginia Wesleyan College 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 $18,083 at West Virginia Wesleyan College. About 53% of students graduate at West Virginia Wesleyan College, compared with 50% at Shepherd University. Ten years after enrolling, West Virginia Wesleyan College alumni earn a median of about $51,593, against $49,358 for Shepherd University.

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public

West Virginia Wesleyan College

Buckhannon, WV · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Shepherdstown, WV
Buckhannon, WV
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,344
954
Acceptance rate
97%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.16–3.66
SAT (middle 50%)
878–1140
892–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,363
$18,083
Full cost / yr
$19,601
$48,190
In-state tuition
$9,056
$34,090
Out-of-state tuition
$19,082
$34,090
Application fee
$45
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,906
$12,611
$30k - $48k
$7,753
$14,807
$48k - $75k
$10,107
$14,848
$75k - $110k
$14,000
$19,834
Over $110k
$15,866
$24,004
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
53%
Freshman retention
71%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,726
$42,672
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,358
$51,593
Median debt at graduation
$21,600
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
38%
First-generation students
41%
30%
International students
1%
9%
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 Wesleyan College harder to get into?
West Virginia Wesleyan College is harder to get into. It admits about 93% 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 Wesleyan College?
Shepherd University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,363 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,083 at West Virginia Wesleyan College. 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 Wesleyan College?
Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and West Virginia Wesleyan College about $48,190. 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 Wesleyan College?
Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $12,611 at West Virginia Wesleyan College. 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 Wesleyan College?
Shepherd University is the larger of the two, with about 2,344 undergraduates against 954 at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Does Shepherd University or West Virginia Wesleyan College have a better graduation rate?
West Virginia Wesleyan College has the higher graduation rate, at about 53% against 50% at Shepherd University.
Do graduates of Shepherd University or West Virginia Wesleyan College earn more?
West Virginia Wesleyan College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,593 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 Wesleyan College require SAT or ACT scores?
Shepherd University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. West Virginia Wesleyan College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Shepherd University and West Virginia Wesleyan College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 878–1140 at Shepherd University and 892–1160 at West Virginia Wesleyan College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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