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Colleges / WV / Shepherdstown
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Shepherd University

Public Shepherdstown, WV · Rural · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
50%
Graduation Rate
$49,358
Earnings (10yr)
$11,363
Net Price
97%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of 97%, Shepherd University is an accessible choice for many students looking for a supportive environment to pursue their education. This school is particularly well-suited for those interested in health professions, business and marketing, humanities, education, or the visual and performing arts. The relatively small enrollment of about 2,344 students fosters a close-knit community where personalized attention is commonplace, allowing students to engage deeply with their studies and peers.

Graduates from Shepherd University can expect to earn around $49,358 within ten years of completing their degrees. This is a solid outcome in today's job market, particularly for those entering fields like health and education. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $11,363 after aid, many students find it manageable to finance their education without overwhelming debt.

Speaking of debt, the median student loan debt sits at $21,600. While this is a significant amount, it’s crucial to remember that many students thrive here, especially those who take advantage of the programs available and are motivated to succeed. The 29% Pell Grant rate indicates that a portion of the student body comes from low-income backgrounds, highlighting the university's role in serving diverse communities. Shepherd University can be a practical choice for students looking for a solid education without the financial strain often associated with college.

Rankings

How Shepherd Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation50%Earnings 10yr$49KNet Price$11KRetention71%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate29%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$8K$0-30K$8K$30-48K$10K$48-75K$16K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%731.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1510.0%MOBILITY110.38%

Cost & Financial Aid

$9,056
In-State Tuition
$19,082
Out-of-State
$11,363
Avg Net Price
$21,600
Median Debt
29%
Pell Grant Rate
39%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$7,906
Family Income $0–$30K
$7,753
Family Income $30K–$48K
$10,107
Family Income $48K–$75K
$15,866
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$43,726
6 Years After Entry
$47,170
8 Years
$49,358
10 Years
0.44x
Debt-to-Earnings
62%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$43,726 6yr $47,170 8yr $49,358 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

110.38%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1510.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
731.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$83,400
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.57
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.7%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 97%
Retention Rate 71%
SAT Average 1034
ACT Midpoint 23
SAT Range 878–1140
ACT Range 19–24
Full-Time Faculty 53%
Faculty Salary (mo) $7,788
Diversity Index 0.46
First-Gen Students 41%

Top Programs

Health Professions 17%
Business & Marketing 16%
Humanities 11%
Education 7%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Biology & Biomedical 5%
Social Sciences 5%
Psychology 4%