NSU vs. Shepherd University

Norfolk State University and Shepherd University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Norfolk State University
Shepherd University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: NSU (87.8% admitted vs 96.8%). Typical SAT 930 vs 1010.
  • Cheaper after aid: NSU. Average net price is $9,124 vs $11,744 at Shepherd University.
  • Graduation: NSU 33% vs Shepherd University 46%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: NSU $36,700 vs Shepherd University $41,500 (median).
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Key differences

Norfolk State University Shepherd University
Acceptance rate
NSU more selective
NSU87.8%
Shepherd University96.8%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Shepherd University higher
NSU823-1030
Shepherd University878-1140
Average net price
NSU $2,620 less
NSU$9,124
Shepherd University$11,744
In-state tuition
Shepherd University $1,124 less
NSU$10,180
Shepherd University$9,056
Out-of-state tuition
Shepherd University $2,600 less
NSU$21,682
Shepherd University$19,082
Graduation rate
Shepherd University +13 pts
NSU33%
Shepherd University46%
Median earnings (10 years)
Shepherd University +$4,800
NSU$36,700
Shepherd University$41,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • NSU 11,247
  • Shepherd University 1,646
  • Admitted
  • NSU 9,871
  • Shepherd University 1,593
  • Acceptance rate
  • NSU 87.8%
  • Shepherd University 96.8%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • NSU 13.2%
  • Shepherd University 31.7%
  • Typical SAT score
  • NSU 930
  • Shepherd University 1010
  • Typical ACT score
  • NSU 19
  • Shepherd University 21
  • Average high school GPA
  • NSU 2.9
  • Shepherd University 3.6
  • Typical high school grades
  • NSU B
  • Shepherd University A-
  • Admissions standards
  • NSU Extremely Easy
  • Shepherd University Very Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • NSU
  • Shepherd University
  • SAT range
  • NSU 823-1030
  • Shepherd University 878-1140
  • ACT range
  • NSU 16-22
  • Shepherd University 19-24
  • Submit test scores
  • NSU Test optional
  • Shepherd University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • NSU May 31, 2027
  • Shepherd University
  • Tuition (in state)
  • NSU $10,180
  • Shepherd University $9,056
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • NSU $21,682
  • Shepherd University $19,082
  • Room & board
  • NSU $11,591
  • Shepherd University $12,916
  • Average net price
  • NSU $9,124
  • Shepherd University $11,744
  • Average grant aid
  • NSU $15,056
  • Shepherd University $8,241
  • % receiving grant aid
  • NSU 75%
  • Shepherd University 96%
  • Graduation rate
  • NSU 33%
  • Shepherd University 46%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • NSU $36,700
  • Shepherd University $41,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • NSU 27%
  • Shepherd University 53%
  • Median student loan debt
  • NSU $31,000
  • Shepherd University $22,223
  • Median loan payment
  • NSU $320
  • Shepherd University $229
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • NSU 15:1
  • Shepherd University 17:1
  • Popular majors
  • NSU
    • Health Professions (21%)
    • Business (16%)
    • Social Sciences (11%)
    • General Studies (10%)
    • Communication (7%)
  • Shepherd University
    • Business (18%)
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities (15%)
    • Education (13%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (7%)
    • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (7%)
  • Location
  • NSU Norfolk, VA
  • Shepherd University Shepherdstown, WV
  • Setting
  • NSU Midsize City
  • Shepherd University Town Fringe
  • Total enrollment
  • NSU 6,053
  • Shepherd University 3,339
  • Type
  • NSU Public 4 Year
  • Shepherd University Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • NSU #988
  • Shepherd University #891

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 3,339 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 10.3% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,591 vs. $12,916).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 13.6% higher at NSU than at Shepherd University (about $2,600 more per year; $21,682 vs. $19,082).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Norfolk State University (96% vs. 75%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 82.7% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($15,056 vs. $8,241).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at Shepherd University than at NSU (21 vs. 19, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both NSU and Shepherd University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Shepherd University average a 3.6 high school GPA, 0.7 higher than at NSU (2.9).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $8,777 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($22,223 vs. $31,000).
  • Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($229 vs. $320).
  • More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation (53% vs. 27%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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