Fort Hays State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fort Hays State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (12,878 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fort Hays State University 15:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Fort Hays State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fort Hays 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 Shepherd University than Fort Hays State University ($11,744 vs. $13,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 29.4% lower than at Shepherd University ($9,120 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 52.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $3,133 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Shepherd University than at Fort Hays State University (about $1,341 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Fort Hays State University (96% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shepherd University students is 22.1% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($8,241 vs. $6,751).

Fort Hays State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fort Hays 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 Fort Hays State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fort Hays State University (1060) is 50 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Fort Hays 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: Fort Hays State University 970/1140; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 18/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fort Hays State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Fort Hays State University (3.45).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Fort Hays State University (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.8% at Fort Hays State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Fort Hays State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fort Hays 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 Fort Hays State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Fort Hays State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have a $1,505 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($20,718 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($214 vs. $229).
• More Fort Hays State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.