At $12,391/yr net price, Shepherd University graduates earn $49,358/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,358/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,391 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,564 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,358/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,358/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,600 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,488/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,838/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,068/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,412/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,778/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $24,875 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,556 | $27,490 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,852 | $21,500 |
| 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 | $19,813 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $18,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $36,674 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $19,100 |
The Risk Factor
49.5% of students at Shepherd University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Shepherd University offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in healthcare and business but concerning overall graduation rates that put your investment at risk. The low net price of $12,391 per year makes this one of the more affordable public options, but nearly half of students fail to complete their degrees.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $61,020 annually against modest debt of $24,875. Business Administration also delivers solid returns at $57,556, though debt climbs to $27,490. Computer Science graduates face a tougher equation, earning $45,852 with $21,500 in debt. Education majors earn just $40,188, making this program financially weak despite West Virginia's teacher shortage.
The 49% graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. You could spend two or three years accumulating debt without earning a degree. The 72% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that Shepherd may not be the right fit.
This school works best for West Virginia residents planning careers in nursing or business who want to minimize debt. The regional job market in the Washington D.C. suburbs provides better opportunities than most rural areas. You should look elsewhere if you need strong academic support services, want a strong degree, or plan to study liberal arts fields not represented in the top-earning programs.
With only 27% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in one of the higher-paying programs while taking advantage of the low sticker price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shepherd University worth the cost?
Shepherd University offers decent value with a low net price of $12,391 annually and moderate debt levels around $21,600. However, the 49% graduation rate and median earnings of $49,358 after 10 years suggest mixed outcomes that depend heavily on your chosen program.
What are the best paying majors at Shepherd University?
Nursing programs at Shepherd University provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $61,020 annually. Business and computer science programs also perform well, while education majors typically earn closer to $40,000.
How much debt do Shepherd University graduates have?
Shepherd University graduates typically leave with $21,600 in debt, which is manageable compared to the national average. The low annual cost of $12,391 helps keep debt levels reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Shepherd University?
Only 49% of students graduate from Shepherd University within six years. This below-average completion rate means nearly half of students may leave without a degree while still carrying debt.