Wheeling University vs Shepherd University
Wheeling University and Shepherd University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in West Virginia, offer distinct educational experiences. Wheeling University, a private Catholic university, boasts a smaller student body and a lower acceptance rate compared to Shepherd University, a public university with a larger and more diverse student population. While Wheeling University excels in nursing and health professions, Shepherd University shines in business, education, and social sciences. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life, with Wheeling University emphasizing its strong sense of community and Shepherd University known for its active student organizations and NCAA Division II athletics. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about the unique strengths and offerings of each university, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Shepherd University |
![]() Wheeling University |
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Overview |
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Location | Shepherdstown, West Virginia | Wheeling, West Virginia |
Campus setting | Town: Fringe | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 66.0% | 87.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Catholic | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 96.4% | 78.1% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$40
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SAT range | 960 - 1180 | 950 - 1180 |
ACT range | 19 - 26 | 17 - 23 |
Students submitting SAT score | 47.0% | 20.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 17.0% | 25.0% |
Total number of applicants | 1,338 | 1,277 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,290 | 997 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 419 | 151 |
Yield rate | 32.5% | 15.1% |
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) | Not required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$23,132
Out of state:
$33,572
|
$37,190 |
Average net price | $10,360 | $28,844 |
Tuition |
In state:
$5,790
Out of state:
$15,276
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$29,090 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,798
Meal plan:
$5,050
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Room/dormitory:
$5,720
Meal plan:
$4,900
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
87.0%
Average amount $7,767 |
100.0%
Average amount $13,244 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
53.0%
Average amount $5,075 |
93.0%
Average amount $6,788 |
Students taking out private loans |
7.0%
Average amount $12,449 |
13.0%
Average amount $12,476 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,450
Men 39.6% Women 60.4% |
599
Men 61.9% Women 38.1% |
Graduate students |
565
Men 22.1% Women 77.9% |
101
Men 43.6% Women 56.4% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 27.6% | N/A |
International students | 1.4% | 9.1% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Fringe | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 1,052 | 693 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | West Virginia Maryland Virginia Pennsylvania District of Columbia | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 14:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 44.1% | 56.5% |
Dropout rate | 43.3% | 2.2% |
Transferred out | 10.9% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
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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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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