Shepherd University
Shepherd University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Shepherd University at a Glance
Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, United States. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In the fall of 2023, the university enrolled 3,274 students.
1871
155 years old
—
$25.4
1,068
323 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Shepherd University
Official admissions page$45
Testing policy
Is Shepherd University Worth It?
Shepherd University offers moderate value at $11,363/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $49,358, which is 8% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 97% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How Shepherd University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WV
Ranked #24 of 123 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #24 | Shepherd University | 55 | $11,363 | $49,358 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Shepherd University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in WV.
Best Programs at Shepherd University
The highest-earning program at Shepherd University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fine and Studio Arts at $25,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Shepherd University earns $58,300, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $25,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,949 in median debt vs. $20,500 for Fine and Studio Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,363/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,300 | $58,300 | $24,949 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $41,700 | $41,700 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,700 | $37,700 | $24,354 |
| Sociology | $36,600 | $36,600 | $24,043 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,900 | $35,900 | $21,614 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $28,100 | $28,100 | $21,750 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $27,300 | $27,300 | $18,513 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $26,000 | $26,000 | $25,000 |
| History | $26,000 | $26,000 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $25,300 | $25,300 | $18,430 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $25,100 | $25,100 | $20,500 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Shepherdstown, WV
- Student Body
- 2,344 students
- Admission Rate
- 97%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,363
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,358
- Median Student Debt
- $21,600