
301 N King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, USA


Shepherd University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institution that ensures the university meets established standards of academic quality and integrity. This accreditation confirms that Shepherd University adheres to rigorous criteria concerning its educational programs, faculty qualifications, and student services. Prospective students can be confident that their degrees from Shepherd University will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions due to this formal validation.
Shepherd University requires applicants to have completed a high school education or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Prospective students must submit their secondary school grade point average as part of the application, with the school also recommending the submission of secondary school rank and academic records to strengthen the application.
The university mandates proof of English proficiency through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-native speakers, while additional standardized testing is advised but not compulsory. Although the institution does not have an open admission policy, it does accept transfer credits, including those earned through Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
The average SAT score for enrolled students is 1070, placing them within the lower 30th percentile nationally, with particular strength in writing compared to math. ACT scores average at 23, considered an average level and falling around the 36th percentile. About 60% of students present SAT scores, while 8% submit ACT scores. Shepherd University maintains a notably high acceptance rate of 96%, admitting the vast majority of applicants.
Shepherd University requires a nonrefundable application fee for all prospective students submitting their applications. This fee is standard practice to help cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university offers fee waivers under certain circumstances, providing relief to applicants who demonstrate financial hardship or meet specific eligibility criteria.
Applicants may qualify for an application fee waiver if they participate in designated federal or state assistance programs, or if they are identified through partnerships with high schools and community organizations aimed at increasing college access. Additionally, fee waivers can be granted for students who have financial need substantiated by appropriate documentation. These waivers help remove financial barriers, enabling a wider range of students to apply without the burden of the application cost.
The process to request a fee waiver typically involves submitting a formal request along with evidence of qualification for the waiver, such as proof of participation in a qualifying program or documentation of economic hardship. It is important for prospective students to inquire directly with the admissions office regarding the exact procedures and any necessary forms to ensure their request is properly handled.
Information regarding specific Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs at Shepherd University is not available. There are no records or data indicating that Shepherd University hosts any ROTC branch units or offers ROTC programs directly on its campus.
Shepherd University welcomes transfer students during the fall, spring, and summer terms. The institution accepts transfer credits, including those earned through CLEP General and CLEP Subject examinations, which can facilitate the credit evaluation process for incoming students.
Admissions to Shepherd University for transfer applicants is considered minimally difficult, indicating a moderately accessible transfer process. Prospective students should note that credit transfer policies are in place to recognize prior academic work, easing the transition to the university's programs.
Shepherd University offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic and cultural experiences of its students. Participants can engage in short-term faculty-led trips, semester-long exchanges, and summer programs, each providing a unique immersion into different educational environments and cultural settings.
The university collaborates with various international institutions to facilitate semester or year-long exchange programs, allowing students to earn credits applicable to their degree while studying overseas. These exchanges emphasize academic rigor alongside cultural engagement, supporting students in broadening their perspectives.
In addition to exchanges, Shepherd University organizes faculty-led programs during the summer or winter breaks. These typically last from one to a few weeks and include visits to multiple locations within a host country, integrating classroom instruction with experiential learning. Such trips often focus on areas related to students' fields of study, promoting practical understanding alongside cultural exposure.
Moreover, Shepherd University encourages students to participate in internships and service-learning opportunities abroad, aiming to blend professional development with international experience. These programs allow students to gain hands-on experience in global contexts, fostering skills relevant to their future careers while engaging with diverse communities.
Median composite SAT score
1070Median composite ACT score
23Percent of students submitting ACT scores
8%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
60%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RecommendedCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer