Shepherdstown, WV · Private University
Is Shepherd University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,358
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,642
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,082
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$76,328
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.59x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
49.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,600
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,391
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Shepherd University graduates earn $4,358 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Shepherd University ranked by graduate earnings
115 graduates
38 graduates
61 graduates
17 graduates
21 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Shepherd University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Shepherd University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $71,847) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $32,058) is $39,789/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $71,847 | 3.8x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $68,435 | 3.6x |
| Biology, General | $57,987 | 3.0x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,391 | 2.8x |
| Sociology | $51,084 | 2.7x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $46,744 | 2.5x |
| Social Work | $45,931 | 2.4x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $44,875 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,094 | 2.3x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $43,029 | 2.3x |
| Psychology, General | $42,528 | 2.2x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $39,392 | 2.1x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General(1yr data) | $39,351 | 2.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $36,731 | 1.9x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $32,058 | 1.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Shepherd University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $49,358 10 years after starting, $4,358 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.3 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.