About Shepherd University
With more than one hundred and fifty years of experience, Shepherd understands what it takes to be effective educators. Class sizes are kept small and most faculty hold the highest degree in their field. The campus environment offers learning opportunities for traditional and adult students, and military-friendly and financial aid benefits make enrollment more enticing. Distance masters and bachelor completion programs provide added flexibility. Complete an online degree in business, education, nursing, and more.
At Shepherd, values of learning, engagement, integrity, accessibility, and community help shape the school’s mission and vision. The university takes pride in its intimate campus community which promotes diversity in thought and academic excellence to prepare graduates to achieve their full potential.
Engagement and networking are promoted through:
- Social and professional organizations
- Community service programs
- Internship and applied learning opportunities
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Accreditation & Licensing
Shepherd University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
676Fully Online Graduate Students:
66%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$21,600Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
65%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$7,688Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesShepherd University can be a good path for adults balancing school, full-time work, and family life. The school offers a practical route to finish a degree while keeping up with daily responsibilities.
Course workload can vary by class. Some classes feel manageable, while others take more time outside class and can be tougher on grades. Because of that, careful term planning matters if you want to stay on track and finish on time.
Cost is a strong point for many students. Annual tuition is listed at $19,082, and admissions communication around paperwork is helpful when getting started. Overall, Shepherd offers a solid mix of cost and progress for students who plan each term well.
At Shepherd University, support is strongest in the classroom. Professors are caring, skilled, and easy to reach. Classes often feel personal, and many instructors know students by name. That close contact gives students steady help when coursework gets tough.
Advising can feel less consistent across the wider support system. Some students get clear, regular guidance, while others see more variation by class or office. Even so, the day-to-day learning experience is built on strong faculty support and real instructor connection.
Shepherd fits online students who want close instructor support. Instructors are caring and easy to approach. Many classes feel personal, not anonymous. That helps when your schedule is full.
The school’s structure feels smaller and steadier. It suits learners who like clear pace and direct contact. It is a better match for relationship-based learning than a large, fast-moving online setup.
At Shepherd, class difficulty can vary a lot by instructor. Some classes feel straightforward. Others need many hours of work and still grade hard. In some courses, assignments are demanding and standards are high, so the pace can shift during the term.
The steady strength is the professors. Many students describe teaching as caring, knowledgeable, and personal. That creates a small, close learning setting that helps students stay involved. Graduate methods courses also bring focused practice each semester, giving students time to build key skills.
Overall, Shepherd offers strong faculty connection and meaningful academic challenge, with rigor that can differ from course to course.
Shepherd is a mixed-positive school overall. The best part is professor access. Faculty are often caring, knowledgeable, and ready to help. Many students feel known in class.
The learning culture feels close and grounded. Course experience can vary a lot. Some classes are easy. Others need heavy outside work.
Grade return can feel uneven across instructors. Service quality is also less consistent than classroom support. Cost value is generally viewed as good. Shepherd fits students who want personal faculty contact and can handle uneven course rigor.
Shepherd is a mixed-positive school overall. The best part is professor access. Faculty are often caring, knowledgeable, and ready to help. Many students feel known in class.
The learning culture feels close and grounded. Course experience can vary a lot. Some classes are easy. Others need heavy outside work.
Grade return can feel uneven across instructors. Service quality is also less consistent than classroom support. Cost value is generally viewed as good. Shepherd fits students who want personal faculty contact and can handle uneven course rigor.
Online Programs offered by Shepherd University
All Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Shepherd University
Is Shepherd University accredited?
Yes. Shepherd University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Shepherd University offer?
Shepherd University offers 1 online program currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Shepherd University offer?
Shepherd University is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Shepherd University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Shepherd University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Shepherd University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Shepherd University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Shepherd University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Shepherd University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.8.
Is Shepherd University military friendly?
Shepherd University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Shepherd University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Shepherd University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Shepherd University accept life experience credit?
Shepherd University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Shepherd University programs fully online or mixed?
Shepherd University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Shepherd University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Shepherd University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Shepherd University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Shepherd University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Shepherd University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Shepherd University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Shepherd University is located in West Virginia
West Virginia at a Glance:
Top Majors in West Virginia:
Top Incentives in West Virginia:
- WV Higher Education Grant: Up to $3,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in West Virginia:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($55,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, RHIA