Shepherd University
About Shepherd University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the oldest town in the state. It offers affordable programs in business, nursing, education, and environmental studies, with a historic campus in the Eastern Panhandle near Washington, D.C.
Founded
1871
Location
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Students
2,651
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
96.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
51%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,056
Out-of-state: $19,082
Avg Net Price
$11,363
After financial aid
SAT Average
1034
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$49,358
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$45
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Rolling
Shepherd University accepts the majority of applicants at 96.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1034/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
51% complete their degree within six years
Retention
71.4%
4-Year Grad
33%
6-Year Grad
44%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
52.8%
$/Student
$8.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 33% graduation rate is below average, but 71.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,056
In-State
$19,082
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,916
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,601
After Financial Aid
$11,363
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,906
Receive Grants
29.4%
Take Loans
39.2%
The full cost of attendance is about $19,601/yr for in-state students, including $12,916 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $11,363. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,082.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Shepherd University fund their education.
While in School
29.4%
Get Grants
Free money
39.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$46,435
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,600
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$229/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 39.2% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,600. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Shepherd University.
Gender
60.5%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,344
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
307
Graduates
40.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
18.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 40.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
2,344
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Shepherd University fields 11 varsity teams with 363 student athletes, about 15% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Pennsylvania State
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
363
15% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
211
Men
152
Women
7
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Shepherd Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$49,358
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$76K
66 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$34K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$42K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$47K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$33K
28 grads
1yr Earnings
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
$34K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shepherd University
What is the acceptance rate at Shepherd University?▾
How much does Shepherd University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Shepherd University?▾
How much do Shepherd University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.