Shepherd University is a public 4-year college in Shepherdstown, West Virginia with 2,344 undergraduates. It admits 97% of applicants, costs an average of $7,940 a year after grants and graduates 50% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Shepherd University acceptance rate and admissions
Shepherd University admitted 97% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 468 to 600, math 410 to 540). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Shepherd University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Nov 15, 2026 |
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Next deadline: Early action, Nov 15, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: $50 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Shepherd University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Shepherd University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $9,404 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $19,706 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $14,625 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $18,628 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $7,940 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $7,940 a year after grants and scholarships, $10,688 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Shepherd University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Shepherd University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 50% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $54,833 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $18,978 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 35% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Shepherd University majors and what graduates earn
Shepherd University awarded bachelor's degrees in 30 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($78,764).
All 30 majors at Shepherd University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 68 | $82,431 | $78,764 | $25,000 |
| Computer and information sciences | 21 | $49,530 | $74,218 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | 12 | $41,791 | $63,412 | n/a |
| Business administration | 76 | $47,142 | $62,588 | $16,300 |
| Health professions, general | 25 | $43,171 | $56,953 | $21,752 |
| Parks and recreation | 31 | $38,691 | $51,789 | $20,477 |
| Communication | 13 | n/a | $50,353 | n/a |
| Fine and studio arts | 16 | n/a | $50,124 | n/a |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 58 | $48,111 | $49,153 | $18,990 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 40 | $47,172 | $48,992 | $19,515 |
| Social work | 13 | $39,267 | $48,122 | $21,500 |
| Environmental science | 16 | $39,961 | $46,797 | n/a |
| Psychology | 25 | $40,460 | $41,344 | $19,500 |
| English | 16 | n/a | $38,581 | n/a |
| Biology | 28 | $45,563 | n/a | $20,952 |
| Criminal justice | 21 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | 14 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Music | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 7 | $31,391 | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Computer engineering | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Economics | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Applied mathematics | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Romance languages | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Engineering Science | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| International/Globalization Studies | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Shepherd University
7 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 7 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business administration | Master's | 23 | n/a | n/a |
| Education | Master's | 12 | n/a | n/a |
| Nursing | Professional doctorate | 12 | n/a | n/a |
| Area Studies | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 2,344 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 61% women, 40% men
- 17 students for every faculty member
- Setting: rural, near a city
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Shepherd University?
Shepherd University admitted 97% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Shepherd University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $9,404 for in-state students and $19,706 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $7,940 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Shepherd University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 468 to 600 in reading and writing and 410 to 540 in math, and 19 to 24 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Shepherd University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Shepherd University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Shepherd University?
50% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Shepherd University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $54,833 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in West Virginia · Shepherd University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.