Lenoir-Rhyne University vs Shepherd University
Lenoir-Rhyne University and Shepherd University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Lenoir-Rhyne, a private university in Hickory, North Carolina, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. Shepherd, a public university in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, offers a more diverse student body and a higher acceptance rate, providing a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. While both universities excel in liberal arts and sciences, Lenoir-Rhyne is known for its strong business and nursing programs, while Shepherd is recognized for its exceptional music and education programs. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover more about these universities' unique offerings and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Lenoir-Rhyne University |
![]() Shepherd University |
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Overview |
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Location | Hickory, North Carolina | Shepherdstown, West Virginia |
Campus setting | City: Small | Town: Fringe |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 62.0% | 66.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Evangelical | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 85.7% | 96.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$35
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Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$40
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SAT range | N/A | 960 - 1180 |
ACT range | N/A | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 47.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 17.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 4,847 | 1,338 |
Total number of admissions given out | 4,155 | 1,290 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 382 | 419 |
Yield rate | 9.2% | 32.5% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $58,910 |
In state:
$23,132
Out of state:
$33,572
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Average net price | $21,739 | $10,360 |
Tuition | $41,500 |
In state:
$5,790
Out of state:
$15,276
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Room & board | $12,800 |
Room/dormitory:
$5,798
Meal plan:
$5,050
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $32,070 |
87.0%
Average amount $7,767 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
70.0%
Average amount $5,253 |
53.0%
Average amount $5,075 |
Students taking out private loans |
9.0%
Average amount $13,819 |
7.0%
Average amount $12,449 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,579
Men 42.2% Women 57.8% |
2,450
Men 39.6% Women 60.4% |
Graduate students |
826
Men 25.8% Women 74.2% |
565
Men 22.1% Women 77.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 17.4% | 27.6% |
International students | 4.4% | 1.4% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Town: Fringe |
Dormitory capacity | 1,039 | 1,052 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida Virginia | West Virginia Maryland Virginia Pennsylvania District of Columbia |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 12:1 | 14:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 48.2% | 44.1% |
Dropout rate | 51.6% | 43.3% |
Transferred out | N/A | 10.9% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees)
Human Services, General (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
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