Austin Peay State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Austin Peay State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (10,439 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Austin Peay State University 14:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Austin Peay State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Austin Peay State University or Shepherd University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Austin Peay State University than Shepherd University ($9,882 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 3.8% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($12,916 vs. $13,430).
• Shepherd University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $50 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.2% higher at Shepherd University than at Austin Peay State University (about $4,316 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Austin Peay State University as at Shepherd University (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Austin Peay State University students is 37% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($11,290 vs. $8,241).

Austin Peay State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Austin Peay State University or Shepherd University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shepherd University and Austin Peay State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 30 points higher than at Austin Peay State University (980).
• Incoming Austin Peay State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Shepherd University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Austin Peay State University 843/1126; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Austin Peay State University 18/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Austin Peay State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Austin Peay State University (3.3).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Austin Peay State University (96.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.5% at Austin Peay State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Austin Peay State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Austin Peay State University and Shepherd University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Austin Peay State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $277 lower median loan debt than Austin Peay State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Austin Peay State University graduates ($229 vs. $232).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Austin Peay State University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.