About Shepherd University
Shepherd University brings together 2,375 students on a close-knit campus in the historic town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. This public liberal arts university has built its reputation around strong programs in education, business, and the arts. The 95.86% acceptance rate reflects the school's welcoming approach to students seeking a personal college experience. Students appreciate the small-town atmosphere where faculty know their names and academic support comes naturally.
The financial picture tells a practical story for families watching their budgets. After aid, students typically pay $12,391 annually, making quality education accessible to working families. Graduates earn a median of $49,358 ten years after college with typical debt loads of $21,600. The monthly loan payment of $229 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Low-income families pay just $7,488 net price, demonstrating the university's commitment to affordability.
Campus life revolves around the tight community feel that defines Shepherd. The 72.06% retention rate shows students stick around once they discover the supportive environment. With 16 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division II, the Rams give students plenty of opportunities to stay active and build school spirit. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors remain accessible throughout your college journey.
The financial picture tells a practical story for families watching their budgets. After aid, students typically pay $12,391 annually, making quality education accessible to working families. Graduates earn a median of $49,358 ten years after college with typical debt loads of $21,600. The monthly loan payment of $229 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Low-income families pay just $7,488 net price, demonstrating the university's commitment to affordability.
Campus life revolves around the tight community feel that defines Shepherd. The 72.06% retention rate shows students stick around once they discover the supportive environment. With 16 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division II, the Rams give students plenty of opportunities to stay active and build school spirit. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors remain accessible throughout your college journey.
Academics & Faculty
Shepherd University operates as a public liberal arts institution where students work closely with faculty in a 16:1 ratio. The school built its reputation around teacher education, producing educators for West Virginia and the surrounding region for over 150 years. Business programs attract many students seeking practical career preparation. The arts flourish here, with strong theater and music departments that take advantage of the historic Shepherdstown setting. Only 49% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work and family obligations common at regional public universities. The intimate class sizes mean professors know students personally, but academic rigor varies across programs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.5%
- Retention Rate
- 72.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,358
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,556 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,852 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,933 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $40,188 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,670 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $38,289 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $36,674 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
Campus Life
Shepherdstown sits along the Potomac River about 70 miles from Washington D.C., making weekend trips to the capital feasible but not routine. The town of 1,700 feels like stepping into colonial America, with Civil War history around every corner. You'll need a winter coat for snowy January days and lighter layers for humid summers typical of the mid-Atlantic region.
With housing capacity for 1,074 students and total enrollment of 2,375, roughly 45% of students live on campus. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Women outnumber men 61% to 40%, contributing to a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Weekend activities center around the historic downtown's cafes and shops, outdoor activities along the river, and supporting the Rams' 16 varsity teams in NCAA Division II competition. The rural-fringe setting means entertainment requires creativity, but students form tight bonds through campus organizations and informal gatherings. Many describe the experience as attending college in a living museum.
With housing capacity for 1,074 students and total enrollment of 2,375, roughly 45% of students live on campus. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Women outnumber men 61% to 40%, contributing to a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Weekend activities center around the historic downtown's cafes and shops, outdoor activities along the river, and supporting the Rams' 16 varsity teams in NCAA Division II competition. The rural-fringe setting means entertainment requires creativity, but students form tight bonds through campus organizations and informal gatherings. Many describe the experience as attending college in a living museum.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,074 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1871
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–41°F
- July Avg
- 62°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.1"
Student Demographics
Shepherd draws primarily West Virginia residents who value a close-knit liberal arts education without leaving the state. Two-thirds of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition. Women outnumber men , which aligns with Shepherd's emphasis on education and liberal arts programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking quality education at a reasonable price. The student body creates a tight community where everyone knows each other across this small campus of 2,375 students.
- Men
- 39.3%
- Women
- 60.7%
- White
- 71.9%
- Black
- 8.0%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 66.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.9%
Location
Shepherdstown sits in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, about 70 miles northwest of Washington D.C. The town of roughly 1,700 residents centers around the university and historic downtown. Founded in 1762, Shepherdstown claims to be West Virginia's oldest town. The Potomac River forms the border with Maryland just blocks from campus. With 66.73% of students coming from in-state, many arrive from the more populated eastern counties near the D.C. metro area. The rural-fringe setting offers small-town charm while keeping major cities within driving distance. Students can walk to Civil War battlefields and scenic river trails. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare Shepherd University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,358
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,289
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $229/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,600
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Shepherd University?
Shepherd University accepts 95.86% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1050. The school maintains an open-access philosophy while building a close-knit campus community of 2,375 students in historic Shepherdstown.
How much does Shepherd University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,391 after financial aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $7,488. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of $21,600.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Shepherd University?
Shepherd maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, supporting its reputation as a small liberal arts university focused on personalized attention. The school retains 72% of first-year students and offers strong programs in education, business, and the arts.
What are the graduation rates at Shepherd University?
Shepherd University graduates 48.69% of students in four years and 49.50% in six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,358 ten years after graduation, with a 95.8% employment rate reflecting the practical focus of its programs.
Where do students live at Shepherd University?
Campus housing accommodates 1,074 students at a cost of $11,308 for room and board. The rural-fringe setting in Shepherdstown creates a tight campus community where 67% of students come from West Virginia.
Does Shepherd University offer athletic scholarships?
Shepherd awards $1,321,424 in athletic scholarships across 16 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division II. The Rams compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference with 383 total student-athletes representing about 16% of the student body.
Similar Schools
West Virginia State University
Institute, West Virginia
Fairmont State University
Fairmont, West Virginia
Bluefield State University
Bluefield, West Virginia
Concord University
Athens, West Virginia
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, South Dakota
University of the Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands