BGSU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowling Green State University Main Campus in Bowling Green, OH with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowling Green State University Main Campus is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (17,594 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is located in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

BGSU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BGSU 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 BGSU ($11,744 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 11% lower than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus ($12,916 vs. $14,508).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is 59.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $5,404 more per year; $14,460.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at BGSU than at Shepherd University (about $3,366 more per year; $22,448.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bowling Green State University Main Campus as at Shepherd University (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students is 13% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,310 vs. $8,241).

BGSU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BGSU 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 BGSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (1110) is 100 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming BGSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BGSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Shepherd University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: BGSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BGSU students have the same average high school GPA (3.6) as students at Shepherd University (3.6).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than BGSU (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at BGSU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

BGSU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BGSU 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).

• Bowling Green State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $3,777 lower median loan debt than BGSU graduates ($22,223 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BGSU graduates ($229 vs. $268).
• More BGSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 53%)

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.