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.
Shepherd University logo

Shepherd University

Wheeling University logo

Wheeling University

Overview

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%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 96.4% 78.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $45

Graduate: $40
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

Tuition and Fees

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
$29,090
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $5,798

Meal plan: $5,050
Room/dormitory: $5,720

Meal plan: $4,900
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

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

Students and Campus

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
Low
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

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

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)
  • Year 1: $61,704
  • Year 2: $61,020
  • Year 3: $65,982
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,620
  • Year 2: $45,852
  • Year 3: $53,735
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,461
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $48,671
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,026
  • Year 2: $32,391
  • Year 3: $43,769
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,615
  • Year 2: $38,670
  • Year 3: $42,186
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,736
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $40,911
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,185
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: $39,264
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,498
  • Year 2: $31,763
  • Year 3: $38,847
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,225
  • Year 2: $35,416
  • Year 3: $38,312
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,000
  • Year 2: $23,340
  • Year 3: $35,390
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $88,164
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: $98,657
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,571
  • Year 2: $59,999
  • Year 3: $60,661
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,382
  • Year 2: $54,531
  • Year 3: $52,347
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,589
  • Year 2: $31,133
  • Year 3: $38,671
Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $26,353
  • Year 3: N/A
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $21,964
  • Year 3: N/A
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: N/A

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