AU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Averett University in Danville, VA with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,476 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Averett University is located in Danville, VA (Small City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Averett University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Averett University 16:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

AU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU 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 Shepherd University than AU ($11,744 vs. $23,471).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 11.1% lower than at Averett University ($12,916 vs. $14,530).
• Averett University is 325.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $29,494 more per year; $38,550.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102% higher at AU than at Shepherd University (about $19,468 more per year; $38,550.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Averett University than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Averett University students is 264% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($29,998 vs. $8,241).

AU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Shepherd University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shepherd University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Averett University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming AU students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 21) as students at Shepherd University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Averett University 926/1143; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Averett University 15/28; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at AU (3.07).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than AU (56.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at AU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

AU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Shepherd University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Averett University's (41%).
• Graduates from Averett University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,400 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,777 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($229 vs. $258).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 51%)

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.