Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lenoir Rhyne University is located in Hickory, NC (Small City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($11,744 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 3.6% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,916 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 252.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $22,844 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.2% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Shepherd University (about $12,818 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 184.8% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($23,467 vs. $8,241).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Lenoir-Rhyne University (3.41).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,777 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.