Shepherd University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Shepherd University is 100%. This means that all applicants are admitted.
How Competitive are Shepherd University Admissions?
- Not Competitive: Applicants with satisfactory academics can easily secure admission.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

However, a 100% acceptance rate or open admission policy does not guarantee admission. Every institution has minimum eligibility criteria. If you meet these conditions, then you can be certain of admission. Additionally, to secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies.
Shepherd University Admission Requirements
Shepherd University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Shepherd University is 3.6. Shepherd University is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.3 and 3.6, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.2 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into Shepherd University Without SAT Or ACT?: Shepherd University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Shepherd University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Shepherd University Average SAT Score: 1064
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Shepherd University is 1064 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Shepherd University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1064 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1170 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Shepherd University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 930, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Shepherd University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Shepherd University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 510 | 450 | 570 |
SAT Reading | 540 | 480 | 600 |
SAT Composite | 1064 | 930 | 1170 |
It means that if you have scored less than 930 then you are below most of the admitted students at Shepherd University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1170 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Shepherd University with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Shepherd University are good but the admission staff at Shepherd University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Shepherd University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Shepherd University is 22.
Shepherd University ACT Competitiveness

This score makes Shepherd University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 22 on the ACT.
Shepherd University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
ACT Math | 20 | 17 | 22 |
ACT English | 22 | 19 | 24 |
ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 24 |
Can I get into Shepherd University with a 24 ACT?
With a 24 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Shepherd University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Shepherd University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 22.Shepherd University Profile
Name: Shepherd University
City: Shepherdstown
URL: www.shepherd.edu/
State: West Virginia
Type: Public
Zip: 25443
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Shepherd University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Shepherd University is USD: 18205. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Shepherd University is USD: 8418
How can I get a scholarship?
30.84% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 46.32 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Shepherd University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Shepherd University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Shepherd University as your choice in the form.
How much a Shepherd University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Shepherd University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 49358. An average Shepherd University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Shepherd University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Shepherd University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1021 | 21 |
University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
Metropolitan State University of Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO | 1025 | 20 |
Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1031 | 21 |
The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Shepherd University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Shepherd University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1062 | 22 |
Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1061 | 21 |
Georgia Southern University | Georgia Southern University, GA | 1057 | 21 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Shepherd University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Economics
Frequently Asked Questions About Shepherd University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Shepherd University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $10,000 to $30,000 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Shepherd University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Shepherd University?
Answer: The acceptance rate is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Shepherd University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is . This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Shepherd University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around -0.3, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Shepherd University with a GPA 0.3 points lower than the average?
Answer: If your GPA is -0.4 or less, it may makes admission difficult -0.3. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Shepherd University if my GPA is below 3.2
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is " .($university_data['gpas']). ", applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Shepherd University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Shepherd University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Shepherd University?
Answer: The campus culture at Shepherd University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Shepherd University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Shepherd University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.