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University of Charleston vs Shepherd University

University of Charleston is a private university in Charleston, WV, and Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, WV. University of Charleston is the more selective of the two, admitting about 62% of applicants against 97% at Shepherd University. Shepherd University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,363 a year against $22,107 at University of Charleston. About 50% of students graduate at Shepherd University, compared with 46% at University of Charleston. Ten years after enrolling, University of Charleston alumni earn a median of about $55,774, against $49,358 for Shepherd University.

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University of Charleston

Charleston, WV · Private

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Charleston, WV
Shepherdstown, WV
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,259
2,344
Acceptance rate
62%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
985–1160
878–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
19–23
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,107
$11,363
Full cost / yr
$46,470
$19,601
In-state tuition
$33,800
$9,056
Out-of-state tuition
$33,800
$19,082
Application fee
$25
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,427
$7,906
$30k - $48k
$25,331
$7,753
$48k - $75k
$16,945
$10,107
$75k - $110k
$20,215
$14,000
Over $110k
$23,795
$15,866
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
50%
Freshman retention
75%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,698
$43,726
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,774
$49,358
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$21,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
29%
First-generation students
43%
41%
International students
8%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
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 University of Charleston or Shepherd University harder to get into?
University of Charleston is harder to get into. It admits about 62% 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, University of Charleston or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,363 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,107 at University of Charleston. 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 University of Charleston and Shepherd University?
Before aid, Shepherd University costs about $19,601 a year and University of Charleston about $46,470. 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, University of Charleston or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,906 there, against about $21,427 at University of Charleston. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Charleston or Shepherd University?
Shepherd University is the larger of the two, with about 2,344 undergraduates against 2,259 at University of Charleston.
Does University of Charleston or Shepherd University have a better graduation rate?
Shepherd University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 46% at University of Charleston.
Do graduates of University of Charleston or Shepherd University earn more?
University of Charleston alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,774 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,358 for Shepherd University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Charleston and Shepherd University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Charleston is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shepherd University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Charleston and Shepherd University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 985–1160 at University of Charleston and 878–1140 at Shepherd University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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