Founded in 1871, Shepherd University-Shepherdstown. is a Public college. Located in West Virginia, which is a city setting in West Virginia, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 3,436 full time undergraduate students, and 343 full time graduate students.
The Shepherd University-Shepherdstown Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 137 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Shepherd University-Shepherdstown include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
91%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
45
SAT Range
870-1080
ACT Range
19-24
Admissions at are considered Less Selective, with ,15% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 36 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Shepherd University-Shepherdstown.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
30%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
15%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
67%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
10%
“I only go out in groups”
29%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
62%
“I feel extremely safe”
5%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
29%
“We bought the gear”
67%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
43%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
43%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
43%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
30%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
70%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
52%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
43%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
5%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
86%
“There might be people who do”
10%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
30%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
15%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
67%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
10%
“I only go out in groups”
29%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
62%
“I feel extremely safe”
5%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
29%
“We bought the gear”
67%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
43%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
43%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
43%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
30%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
70%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
47 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 9 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
41 Students rated off-campus housing 3.3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
55 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
58 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
59 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 54 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
57 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
58 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
59 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.
Shepherd University-Shepherdstown REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Shepherd University-Shepherdstown?
22 Students rated Shepherd University-Shepherdstown
Madison
06/16/2022
It is an amazing university. I am an incoming student and so excited to start in the fall. The campus is beautiful and so clean. The teachers/ professors are very approachable and helpful. I will be playing sports and my coach and teammates are amazing. I am so excited to be part of Shepherd University.
A
05/23/2020
A little disorganized. The opportunities are decent but keep in mind that despite being a university, it is on the small side. Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages to this. The main disadvantage is the price feels way too high for a small university and job opportunities are about average, meaning they have connections with local businesses but not much major ones.
Meghan
04/28/2020
I am involved in the Music Department there and the community is so supportive. You can email the teachers whenever and they are willing to put the time as well as effort to see you succeed. The students involved are all connected and since the population is so small, everyone knows each other which I love. There are many student-led groups and many fraternities that you can be involved in. I believe this school was not only affordable but provides the essentials that I needed to thrive and become the best person I can be.
Madeline
05/23/2019
Shepherd University has a nice atmosphere and environment for all of their students. They have a lot of extracurricular activities for students to be involved in. There is something to be passionate about. Also, Shepherd University is always improving to fit the needs of their students.
kat
01/08/2019
The school is my home away from home. Family friendly with a huge heart for animals. Also, it is attached to downtown Shepherdstown so that gives a historical view of the town. You meet new people to help you grow. I appreciate the teachers that help the students to succeed in where they want to go. Even if some may not what is it. The experience of what is given to college students makes them feel like they wish high school was like college. If I am being honest again, I feel like I am draining my parents and other family members on what I am doing with my career where when I leave home, they’re going to be big debt that is going to be hard to pay off. I really want to earn a lot fo scholarship money to pay for my tuition and board for my stay at Shepherd University. I want to them to spend money on the bills and some supplies I am going to be needing for college. Plus with what I am being taught I know I can get towards my goals for my future.
Madalaine
12/19/2018
I adore this school! It's my first year at college and my first time away from home and Shepherd has given me a new home and so many exciting experiences, such as my first solo-trip to NYC, and the professors are so kind and eager to help you in any way you need in order to succeed. The classes are relatively small, which allows for a more personal relationship with the instructors and fellow classmates.
Veronica
12/15/2018
I truly love my school. The class sizes are very small, so there is a lot of personal communication between the professor and their students. While this is true, the school doesn't seem small. There is always something to do, whether it be an event on campus or hanging out with friends. I have met people I truly believe to be my best friends. I am involved in several clubs and I always find something to do with someone I know. I am so happy I chose Shepherd.
Kasey
10/30/2018
I love Shepherd University, and it is truly a connected place. There are some flaws, but overall, Shepherd is exactly where I want to be. The community is very tight, and it is definitely a place where people know each other in some way or another. It's a quaint little town that everyone needs to visit at least once.
Michaela
09/19/2018
If you're looking for a big party school, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a decent sized school with a lot of fun things to do, this may be the place. the atmosphere and academics are awesome. I look forward to coming to class. between basketball games and group activities, I always have something to do.
Tori
07/23/2018
It's a great school in a beautiful location! It just needs a bit of updating!
Maria
05/11/2018
Shepherd is pretty nice overall. It's clean, it looks nice with all the plant life outdoors, there are lots of activities that are free for students, and the teachers know how to teach. The food could be a little better, but it's okay for what it is. I usually pack a lunch since I live off campus so I can't really judge it too much.
rita
05/11/2018
I love Shepherd but it isn't for everyone. Shepherd is a liberal arts school with a small population nestled in a beautiful little town. I love the small class size and the professors, they always seem willing to help you and wanting to see you succeed. If you want a lively, crazy, always something happening, school- this isn't the place for you. If you want a place that you can focus on your school work and possibly go out on the weekend then this place may be a fit for you.
Abigail
12/26/2017
Looking forward to attending. I would reccommend this school to everyone. There was recently an upgrade in the Natural Sciences department and it is a good fit for people looking to go into medicine and especially good for those going into liberal arts.
Kallie
11/07/2017
It’s an amazing community, everyone is very family like and friendly. It’s been a great semester and first year here. My RA is amazingly supportive and we are all very accepting of everyone. And the art buildings are amazingly built and the staff and professors here are great and very willing to help.
Madison
08/15/2017
Shepherd is an amazing school with great opportunities. I transferred to Shepherd University after attending a community college. The councilors and advisers have gone above and beyond to help me. The professors are always available and always willing to help when asked.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Shepherd University-Shepherdstown is 91%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Dear Tiffany,
Take it from me, college is not easy. Just because you did well in high school does not mean that you will succeed in college. Get ready to work, girl, because World Literature at Boonsboro High has got nothing on Shepherd. Oh, and trust me, your motto ?work smart not hard? will only get you so far.
Here is the best advice I have for you: buy your books early so you can get them used (have you seen the price for new books? They?re outrageous!) and know how much it will cost you to park at a meter (that is if you do not want to have to walk across campus everyday). If you are wondering about making friends, do not worry too much about that. For the next four years you will take your core classes with the same people, so you are bound to be friends with them eventually. Perhaps the most important piece of advice I can give you though is to have fun. College can get stressful, but if you make the best of it you will do just fine. Good luck!
Shepherd is well known for its education program. The teaching staff are very friendly and they truely care about about their students. The small class sizes are also a plus.
Shepherd University is not very large, so the classes are smaller and students tend to get more attention from advisors. It's also only an 1 1/2 hours from Baltimore and DC so you can still get the benefit of urban culture, such as internship opportunities as well as musuems, concerts, etc.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
How comfortable it feels and the willingness of teachers to help. Shepherd University also offers a wide variety of resources to help study for big exams, they also can provide tutors for all subjects and courses.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about my school would have to be the price. I know getting a college education is not cheap, however coming from a single-parent family, money is tight and living on campus is not the most affordable thing. I wish more financial aide was available to me, so that living on campus could be more affordable to me and those that come from the same family/income situation that I do.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
I would say that the parking situation here is the only real frustrating thing about Shepherd. There are times when I am late for class because of not being able to find a place to park in the parking lots or in the pay meters that they have.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
I believe the football and cheer leading teams are the most popular activity at Shepherd, because many people come from everywhere to watch us or them compete.
The school has a large dropout rate after the first year, and prices are jumping every year because they keep trying to imporve and add on more. Shepherdstown is amazing and beautiful and you will absolutely love it. There are parties but you need to know people to know about them. There has been some violence in recent years, it's getting worse, but it's nothing compared to the larger colleges.
I was a psych major. Do not attend Shepherd for psychology unless you want to enter experimental, neuroscience or cognitive psychology. If you want to be a counselor you're better off going with the socialwork program. Take your art and music classes with friends; they're class sizes in those groups for general studies start at 100+ students, you will struggle to stay in the class. Wilgoos was one of my most memorable professors; he's a baptist preacher teaching history, he knows his stuff and he will rip you apart if you disagree with him on anything. Take your english classes with ad-juncts or highly rated ones because some of them are so uptight YOUR ass will be aching. The college has very VERY low requirements, but don't depend on that to see your through, it's easy to slip up and then you fall through the cracks.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
The stereotype that we have is that we are extremely country, and ride horses all day. Which is obviously not true, there are many different ethnicity's at shepherd.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
92% of students attending Shepherd University-Shepherdstown receive some sort of financial aid.
38% were awarded federal grants.56%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
