ECU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare East Central University in Ada, OK with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Central University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (3,377 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Central University is located in Ada, OK (Remote Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• East Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Central University 18:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

ECU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECU 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 East Central University than Shepherd University ($8,565 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Central University are 34.1% lower than at Shepherd University ($8,516 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 12.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $1,024 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,032.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Shepherd University than at East Central University (about $1,240 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $17,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at East Central University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by East Central University students is 12.3% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,255 vs. $8,241).

ECU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECU 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 ECU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Central University (1010) is the same as at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at ECU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Central University 900/1120; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Central University 17/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at ECU (3.31).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than ECU (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.4% at ECU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

ECU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECU 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 East Central University's (34%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than ECU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Central University graduates have a $5,345 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($16,878 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($174 vs. $229).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 45%)

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.