Public Institution

Shepherd University — Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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Annual Tuition $8,642

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 95.7%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,375

Active Students

Avg. Salary $49,358

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Shepherd University stands as a pillar of higher education in Shepherdstown, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,375 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Shepherd University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Shepherd University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
15.7%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
13.1%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
12.8%

Enrollment Share

Education
7.8%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
5.9%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
5.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Shepherd University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Shepherd University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Shepherd University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 95.7%
Difficulty Low

Shepherd University maintains an acceptance rate of 95.7%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 39.3%
Women Enrollment 60.7%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 470 - 580
SAT Mathematics 430 - 560
ACT English 20 - 26
ACT Mathematics 17 - 23
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Shepherd University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $8,642
Out-of-State Tuition $19,082

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 26.9%
Median Student Debt $21,600

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $8,642, graduates see a median starting salary of $49,358, making it one of the most affordable pathways in West Virginia.

What salary can Shepherd University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $49,358

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 49.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $12,391
Median Salary (6yr) $43,726
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown?

2,375 Students

Gender Comparison

39.3% Men
60.7% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

72.1%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.2%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1.6%
Black
8%
White
71.9%
Unknown
2.2%
Hispanic
8.4%
Two or More Races
6.4%
International
1.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 40.9%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 58.6%
💍
Married Students 6.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 77.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $62,744
Average Family Income $62,583
Median Family Income $46,435

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

49.6%
50.4%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Shepherdstown Campus Environment

Located at 301 North King St, Shepherd University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of West Virginia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Shepherd University

Is Shepherd University a good college in Shepherdstown, West Virginia?
Shepherd University is a recognized institution in Shepherdstown with an enrollment of 2,375 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in West Virginia based on Department of Education data.
Is Shepherd University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Shepherd University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $49,358. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Shepherd University cost for West Virginia residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Shepherd University is approximately $8,642. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $19,082. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Shepherd University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Shepherd University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 58.6% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Shepherd University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?
Shepherd University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Shepherd University?
Graduates of Shepherd University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $49,358, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Shepherd University?
Shepherd University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Shepherd University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Shepherd University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Shepherd University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Shepherd University earn a median salary of $49,358 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Shepherd University a good investment compared to other WV colleges?
Shepherd University stands out as a high-value investment in West Virginia. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Shepherd University located and what is the campus like?
Shepherd University is located at 301 North King St in Shepherdstown, WV. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,375 learners.
Who typically attends Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV?
The student body at Shepherd University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 40.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: West Virginia

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Shepherd University with other leading institutions in West Virginia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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