Shepherd University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Shepherd University
Steps from the Potomac in historic Shepherdstown, Shepherd University pairs a classic college feel with hands-on learning. Faculty are known for personal attention across the humanities, sciences, business, education, and the arts, with classes that mix discussion with studio and lab work. Students use a well stocked library, modern labs and studios, performance spaces, a busy student center, and services like advising, tutoring, counseling, and health care.
Campus culture leans friendly and curious, with clubs, concerts, theater, and plenty of time on the river and local trails. The town adds coffeehouse readings, indie shops, and a campus-town connection you can feel on a Saturday. Career prep is practical, with coaching, internships, and alumni ties, helped by access to regional employers and the Washington corridor. Traditions are community facing, from homecoming that spills into town to service projects rooted in local history.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Shepherd University offers 38 degree programs across 22 major academic fields, graduating approximately 616 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (2 programs, 113 graduates), Health (3 programs, 106 graduates), Education (5 programs, 60 graduates), Liberal Arts (1 programs, 58 graduates) and Kinesiology (1 programs, 31 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (2 programs, 113 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 99 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
Health (3 programs, 106 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 68 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Health and Wellness | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0001 |
| Nursing Practice | 13 |
|
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
Education (5 programs, 60 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1205 |
| Elementary Education | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| General Education | 12 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| College Student Counseling and Personnel Services | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.1102 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 58 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 58 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0102 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 31 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0101 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 28 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Arts (4 programs, 28 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Music Performance | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0903 |
| Music | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Theatre Arts | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
Social Sciences (3 programs, 27 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Economics | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
Psychology (1 programs, 25 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Computer & IT (3 programs, 22 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
| Information Technology | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0103 |
| Data Modeling and Database Administration | 1 |
|
Master's
|
11.0802 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Shepherd University.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Shepherd University
How much does it cost to attend Shepherd University?
The annual tuition at Shepherd University is $8,642 for in-state students and $19,082 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $23,516 for in-state students and $33,956 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,308 (on) / $11,500 (off) and books and supplies $1,000.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Shepherd University offer?
Shepherd University offers 38 academic programs across 22 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (5 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Shepherd University?
Shepherd University has an 95.6% acceptance rate and a 33% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,793
- Students admitted: 1,715
- Students enrolled: 566
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Shepherd University?
Shepherd University provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,183 and average loans of $9,177.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,359
- State/Local grants: $4,812
- Institutional grants: $4,234
- Federal loans: $7,196
The university supports 516 students with grants and 287 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Shepherd University graduates?
Shepherd University graduates earn a median salary of $43,726 after 6 years and $49,358 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $29,776 (25th percentile) to $72,112 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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