Gallaudet University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gallaudet University in Washington, DC with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than Gallaudet University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 1,335 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gallaudet University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Gallaudet University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gallaudet University 6:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Gallaudet University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gallaudet 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 Gallaudet University ($11,744 vs. $15,944).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 18.7% lower than at Gallaudet University ($12,916 vs. $15,892).
• Gallaudet University is 117% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $10,598 more per year; $19,654.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Gallaudet University than at Shepherd University (about $572 more per year; $19,654.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gallaudet University than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gallaudet University students is 197.6% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($24,529 vs. $8,241).

Gallaudet University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gallaudet University 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 Gallaudet University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 110 points higher than at Gallaudet University (900).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 15 at Gallaudet University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gallaudet University 780/1022; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gallaudet University 14/17; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gallaudet University - Required; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Gallaudet University (3.3).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Gallaudet University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 60.7% at Gallaudet University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Gallaudet University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gallaudet University 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 Gallaudet University's (41%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Gallaudet University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $31,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gallaudet University graduates have a $5,682 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($16,541 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, Gallaudet University graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($171 vs. $229).
• More Gallaudet University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.