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Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV·Public·2,375 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,375 students.

96%
Accept
2,375
Students
$12,391
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$43,000
Earnings
10 yr
$14,297
Debt

About This School

Shepherd University is a public institution located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia with approximately 2,375 undergraduate students enrolled. Shepherd University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,391 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $43,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, United States. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In the fall of 2023, the university enrolled 3,274 students.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $12,391/year average net price and only $14,297 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a degree you'll find anywhere. The concern worth taking seriously is the 49% graduation rate — meaning roughly half of students who start don't finish — which, combined with median earnings of $43,000 a decade out, suggests you'll want a clear plan and strong reasons for choosing this school rather than just arriving and hoping for the best.

Founded
1871
Setting
Fringe rural

Popular Programs

Health Professions16%
Business & Marketing13%
Education8%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Social Sciences6%
Psychology5%
Computer Science5%
Biological Sciences5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Joey TravoltaGeorge William Johnson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1022
Reading 75th %ile580
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,642
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,082
Avg Net Price
$12,391
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants27%
Median debt at graduation$14,297

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
72%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,297
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,297
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White72%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,375 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Shepherd University

301 North King St

Shepherdstown, WV 25443

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in West Virginia

Browse all West Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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