University of Rio Grande vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, OH with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than University of Rio Grande based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 2,258 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rio Grande is located in Rio Grande, OH (Distant Rural setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• University of Rio Grande is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rio Grande 20:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

University of Rio Grande vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Rio Grande 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 University of Rio Grande ($11,744 vs. $24,061).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rio Grande are 18.7% lower than at Shepherd University ($10,500 vs. $12,916).
• University of Rio Grande is 127% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $11,504 more per year; $20,560.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.7% higher at University of Rio Grande than at Shepherd University (about $1,478 more per year; $20,560.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at University of Rio Grande (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rio Grande students is 8.1% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($8,910 vs. $8,241).

University of Rio Grande vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Rio Grande 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 University of Rio Grande.

• University of Rio Grande reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: University of Rio Grande - Open admission; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at University of Rio Grande (3.06).

University of Rio Grande vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Rio Grande 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 University of Rio Grande's (27%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than University of Rio Grande graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rio Grande graduates have a $1,723 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, University of Rio Grande graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($211 vs. $229).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Rio Grande students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 35%)

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.