Shepherd University

Overview

Shepherd University, nestled in the historic town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, stands as a public liberal arts institution with an emphasis on smaller class sizes and personalized education experiences. The campus, characterized by its red-brick Georgian-style architecture, provides a picturesque setting along the Potomac River, with proximity to both the outdoor adventures of the Shenandoah Valley and the cultural offerings of Washington, D.C., located just over 70 miles away. Founded in 1871, Shepherd offers a variety of undergraduate programs with notable emphasis on education, business, nursing, and social sciences, while graduate programs focus on areas such as curriculum and instruction, and college student development and administration. The university maintains a moderately selective admissions process. Residential living on campus is an integral part of the student experience at Shepherd, with multiple housing options available. While Shepherd participates in NCAA Division II athletics, it is not primarily distinguished for its athletic programs.

In the most recent statistical year 1,690 prospective students applied, and 1,620 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 553 enrolled in the school.  2,315 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 920 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $6,288 plus fees of $1,994. Shepherd University is ranked 866 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.