Randolph vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than Randolph based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 816 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Randolph College is located in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Randolph College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Randolph College 8:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Randolph vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Randolph 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 Randolph ($11,744 vs. $21,668).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Randolph College are 4.4% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,350 vs. $12,916).
• Randolph College is 234.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $21,254 more per year; $30,310.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.8% higher at Randolph than at Shepherd University (about $11,228 more per year; $30,310.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Randolph College than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Randolph College students is 183.6% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($23,372 vs. $8,241).

Randolph vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Randolph 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 Randolph.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Randolph College (1160) is 150 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Randolph students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shepherd University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Randolph College 1100/1210; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Randolph College 19/26; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Randolph - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Randolph (3.35).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Randolph (93.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at Randolph vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Randolph vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Randolph 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).

• Randolph College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Randolph College earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 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 Randolph graduates ($22,223 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Randolph graduates ($229 vs. $279).
• More Randolph graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.