Virginia University of Lynchburg vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia University of Lynchburg 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 Virginia University of Lynchburg based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 581 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Virginia University of Lynchburg vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Virginia University of Lynchburg 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 Virginia University of Lynchburg ($11,744 vs. $19,066).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia University of Lynchburg are 27.2% lower than at Shepherd University ($9,400 vs. $12,916).
• Virginia University of Lynchburg is 25.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $2,304 more per year; $11,360.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68% higher at Shepherd University than at Virginia University of Lynchburg (about $7,722 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $11,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Virginia University of Lynchburg (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shepherd University students is 31.6% larger than aid received by Virginia University of Lynchburg students ($8,241 vs. $6,262).

Virginia University of Lynchburg vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Virginia University of Lynchburg 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 Virginia University of Lynchburg.

• Virginia University of Lynchburg 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: Virginia University of Lynchburg - Open admission; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 1.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Virginia University of Lynchburg (2.1).

Virginia University of Lynchburg vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Virginia University of Lynchburg 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).

• Virginia University of Lynchburg's six-year graduation rate (100%) is higher than Shepherd University's (46%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $19,344 lower median loan debt than Virginia University of Lynchburg graduates ($22,223 vs. $41,567).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $200 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia University of Lynchburg graduates ($229 vs. $429).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia University of Lynchburg students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 9%)

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.