# Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/shepherd-university

Shepherd University is a public college in Shepherdstown, WV with 2,344 undergraduates. It admits 97% of applicants, and admitted students average 1034 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $7,940 per year ($7,948 for families earning under $30,000). 50% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $54,833 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 97% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 1,793 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 1,715 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 468–600 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 410–540 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 19–24 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $18,628 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $7,940 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $7,948 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $11,032 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $6,162 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $4,894 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $10,882 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 2,344 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 50% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $54,833 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,978 (FY2024) |

## What Shepherd University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Not considered
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Not considered
- Class rank: Not considered
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Shepherd University's acceptance rate?**

Shepherd University admits 97% of applicants, which makes it open.

**What SAT score do you need for Shepherd University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 468–600 on SAT Reading and Writing and 410–540 on SAT Math; the average total is 1034.

**What ACT score do you need for Shepherd University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 19–24.

**Is Shepherd University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Shepherd University?**

In Fall 2023, 1,793 students applied to Shepherd University and 1,715 were admitted; 566 enrolled.

**Does Shepherd University consider legacy status?**

No. Shepherd University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Shepherd University require an essay?**

Shepherd University reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Shepherd University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $18,628 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $7,940.

**What is Shepherd University's graduation rate?**

50% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 237792. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology