More selective than 21% of West Virginia colleges we cover. U.S. median 77%.
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class
60% of enrolled first-years sent SAT scores, 8% sent ACT scores.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Called “yield.” A high yield means many admitted students choose Shepherd University over other offers.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Applicants, admits and enrollment
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class (first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates). Newer counts arrive with the next IPEDS release.
We don't have Shepherd University's Common Data Set yet, the college's own report of what it weighs in admissions, early decision and waitlist numbers. Work at Shepherd University or have its file? Send it to us.
Shepherd University SAT and ACT scores
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted them, Fall 2024. A quarter scored below the 25th percentile and a quarter above the 75th. If your score is above the 75th, Shepherd University is likely within reach on scores alone; below the 25th, it is a reach.
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 468 | 600 |
| SAT math | 410 | 540 |
| ACT composite | 19 | 24 |
| SAT total (approx.) | 878 | 1140 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class (reported to IPEDS). SAT total adds the two section scores, an approximation.
Shepherd University admissions year over year
| Entering class | Acceptance | SAT reading | SAT math | ACT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 97% | 468–600 | 410–540 | 19–24 | College Scorecard |
| Fall 2023 | 96% | 470–580 | 430–560 | 20–24 | IPEDS |
Score ranges are the 25th–75th percentiles. Each year is kept as published; we add a year with every federal release.
How selective is Shepherd University compared with other West Virginia colleges?
Shepherd University has the 12th-lowest acceptance rate of 15 West Virginia colleges we cover. Schools around it:
| Rank | College | Acceptance | Graduation | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Concord University | 93% | 39% | $9,966 |
| 8 | West Virginia Wesleyan College | 93% | 57% | $18,083 |
| 9 | Davis & Elkins College | 94% | 39% | $18,273 |
| 10 | Marshall University | 96% | 51% | $7,502 |
| 11 | West Virginia State University | 96% | 39% | $11,139 |
| 12 | Shepherd University | 97% | 51% | $11,363 |
| 13 | Bluefield State University | 97% | 37% | $13,684 |
| 14 | West Liberty University | 97% | 60% | $15,366 |
| 15 | Fairmont State University | 99% | 44% | $9,032 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class. All West Virginia colleges →
Who enrolls at Shepherd University
College Scorecard; IPEDS
Shepherd University admissions questions
What is the Shepherd University acceptance rate?
Shepherd University accepts 97% of applicants, most. For the Fall 2023 entering class, 1,715 of 1,793 applicants were admitted.
Does Shepherd University require the SAT or ACT?
Shepherd University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them (test-optional), according to its federal admissions report for Fall 2023. 60% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores and 8% submitted ACT scores.
What SAT score do you need for Shepherd University?
The middle 50% of Shepherd University enrolled first-year students scored 878–1140 on the SAT and 19–24 on the ACT. A score above the upper number puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students; below the lower number puts you in the bottom quarter.
How many admitted students enroll at Shepherd University?
33% of admitted students enrolled in Fall 2023 (566 of 1,715).
Is Shepherd University getting harder to get into?
Shepherd University accepted 97% of applicants for Fall 2024, compared with 96% for Fall 2023.
Is Shepherd University the right fit for your family?
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS Admissions; years shown with each figure. “Colleges we cover” means colleges awarding bachelor's degrees to at least 100 undergraduates. Back to Shepherd University overview