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Shepherd University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range930 to 1170

ACT Range19 to 24

Average GPA3.60

Acceptance Rate96.8%

Shepherd admits most applicants, so your bigger question is whether your academic profile puts you in a strong position to start well and stay on track. Since scores are required and SAT is the more common submission, aim for the upper half of the middle range, around 1050 to 1170 SAT, with 22 to 24 ACT as a comparable target.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Shepherd University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Shepherd University enrolls 3,032 undergraduate students in a rural campus setting. Shepherd has a 71% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 51% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Shepherd is test-required for admissions.

Location

Shepherdstown, WV

Undergrad Enrollment3,032

Freshman Retention71%

SettingRural

Student to Faculty Ratio17:1

Graduation Rate51%

Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Shepherd?

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Key Shepherd University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 1

Early Action

November 15

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Plan to take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes. For Shepherd’s November 15 Early Action deadline, an October retake is likely the last fall test date that can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Shepherd’s in-state tuition is $6,702, while out-of-state tuition is $15,774. About 41% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $7,642. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

In-State Tuition$6,702

Out-of-State Tuition$15,774

Room and Board$11,308

Average Merit Award$7,642

Application Fee$45

Students on Aid41%

Average Aid Package$15,275

Average Debt at Grad$28,764

At Shepherd University, out-of-state tuition is $15,774, while in-state tuition is $6,702, with room and board adding $11,308. Financial aid can significantly change the final price, with 41% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $15,275. Merit awards average $7,642, and graduates leave with an average debt of $28,764.