Shepherd University: An In-Depth Look at Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid
Understanding the financial aspects of higher education is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Shepherd University's tuition, fees, financial aid options, and other related expenses.
Tuition Costs
Undergraduate Tuition
In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Shepherd University was \$6,288. This is significantly lower than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges, which stands at \$29,280. Specifically, Shepherd University's tuition is \$22,992 less than the national average.
For the academic year, Shepherd University's tuition is \$9,056 for in-state students and \$19,082 for out-of-state students. Compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition (\$12,436), Shepherd University is more affordable. Similarly, for out-of-state students, the tuition is less expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition (\$29,815).
Comparison with Similar Universities
The cost of tuition at Shepherd University is \$−22,992 less than the overall (public and private) national average for Baccalaureate Colleges (\$29,280).
Future Tuition Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the 2025-26 academic year are outlined below.
Read also: Tuition at Loyola University Maryland
Average Net Price
In 2023, Shepherd University's average net price, which factors in grants and loans, was \$12,651. This represents the price paid after considering financial aid. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price grew by 28.7%. The average net price is calculated from full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded a grant or scholarship from federal, state, or local governments, or the institution.
Net Price Calculation
Average net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies.
Other Student Expenses
Beyond tuition, students should also consider other expenses such as room and board, books, and supplies.
Room and Board
The average yearly cost of room and board at Shepherd University was \$12,140 in 2023. This cost increased by 1.33% between 2022 and 2023. The cost of rooming and dorms at Shepherd University is \$5630. The cost of meals at Shepherd University is \$4698.
Books and Supplies
During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was \$1,000. This cost remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023.
Read also: Affording ECU
Financial Aid
Availability of Financial Aid
In 2023, 64% of undergraduate students attending Shepherd University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 41% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.
64% of undergraduate students at Shepherd University received financial aid through grants or loans in 2023. This represents a decline of 8.57% with respect to 2022, when 70% of undergraduate students received financial aid.
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.
Average Aid Package
Average Per Year After Aid \$9,827. Average Aid Package \$7,675.
Financial Aid by Income Level
A very easy way to determine an average price you can expect to pay is by using your average family income and comparing it to the table below.
Read also: Withdrawals for College: A Guide
Financial Aid Dates
Application Due Aug 23. The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
Student Loan Default Rate
In 2022, the default rate for borrowers at Shepherd University was 0%, representing 0 out of the 667 total borrowers.
Cohort default rates only account for borrowers who default in the first three years, and some schools only have a small proportion of borrowers entering repayment. These rates should be interpreted with caution, as they may not be reflective of the entire school population.
Admissions
Shepherd University received 1,793 undergraduate applications in 2023, which represents a 6.09% annual growth. Out of those 1,793 applicants, 1,715 students were accepted for enrollment, representing a 95.6% acceptance rate.
Acceptance Rate
In 2023, the undergraduate acceptance rate of Shepherd University was 95.6% (1,715 admissions from 1,793 applications). This is lower than the acceptance rate of 2022, which was 95.9%. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of applicants grew by 6.09%, while admissions grew by 5.86%.
SAT Scores
60% of enrolled first-time students at Shepherd University in 2023 submitted SAT scores with their applications.
Enrollment
Shepherd University had a total enrollment of 3,318 students in 2023. The full-time enrollment at Shepherd University is 2,322 students and the part-time enrollment is 996. This means that 70% of students enrolled at Shepherd University are enrolled full-time.
The enrolled student population at Shepherd University, both undergraduate and graduate, is 69% White, 8.44% Hispanic or Latino, 7.87% Black or African American, 5.7% Two or More Races, 1.75% Asian, 0.181% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0904% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Shepherd University in 2023, both undergraduate and graduate, is 3,318 students. The full-time enrollment at Shepherd University is 2,322 and the part-time enrollment is 996. This means that 70% of students enrolled at Shepherd University are enrolled full-time compared with 78.8% at similar Baccalaureate Colleges.
Retention Rate
The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Shepherd University was 72%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Baccalaureate Colleges (74%), Shepherd University had a retention rate lower than its peers.
Graduates
In 2023, 594 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Shepherd University. 63.8% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 36.2% awarded men.
The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was white (447 degrees), 11.8 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american (38 degrees).
Majors Awarded
In 2023, the most common bachelor's degree concentration at Shepherd University was Registered Nursing with 66 degrees awarded.
Time to Complete
In 2023, 33% of students graduating from Shepherd University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 44% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 44% within 200%.
Graduation Rate by Race and Sex
The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Shepherd University is Female and American Indian or Alaska Native (100% graduation rate). Across all Baccalaureate Colleges, Asian Female students have the highest graduation rate (74.3%).
Operations
Endowment
Shepherd University has an endowment valued at nearly \$29.7M, as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year. The return on its endowment was of 298k (1%) compared to the 4.79% average return (2.46M on 51.4M) across all Baccalaureate Colleges.
Payment Plans and Policies
Deferred Payment Plans
Student deferred payment plans for tuition will be offered for the fall and spring semesters. All available financial aid from the term must be credited to the student’s account prior to determining the amount available for deferral. Contact the Business Office for current deferred payment plan information.
Payment Options
The Business Office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express as forms of payment.
Installment Plan
This payment option is a three or four-month installment plan offered for the fall and spring semesters through the Shepherd University Business Office. The payment plan has a fee of \$25 per semester.
Card Processing Fee
Effective July 1, 2025, Shepherd University will charge a non-refundable card processing fee, not to exceed 2.49%, on all credit/debit card payments.
Additional Considerations
Academic Common Market (ACM)
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition-savings program sponsored by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Offered to all college students pursuing degrees not offered by their in-state institutions, the ACM allows students to attend out-of-state institutions (offering their desired degree program) and pay the in-state tuition rate. The ACM is not automatic, and Shepherd University is not involved in the certification process. Students must apply for the program through their home-state ACM office.
Factors Affecting Average Salary
There’s a lot of reasons why the average salary for Shepherd University students would differ from its peer schools.
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