Shepherd Acceptance Rate

Shepherd University, located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is a public liberal arts institution known for its accessible yet competitive admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Shepherd University reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 95.9%, based on data from the university’s official admissions statistics and historical trends published in the Common Data Set. This high acceptance rate reflects the university’s commitment to providing educational opportunities to a broad range of applicants. Factors influencing selectivity include a steady applicant pool, regional demand for public higher education, and the university’s focus on holistic admissions. Shepherd University maintains transparency by publishing detailed admission statistics through its official website and annual reports, offering prospective students valuable insights into the process.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 95.9% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 1,700 applicants and 1,630 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Based on historical trends, early applicants may see a slightly higher acceptance rate, estimated at 97.0%, due to smaller applicant pools.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable. Estimated at 90.0% based on regional norms for public universities, reflecting Shepherd’s welcoming policies for global applicants.

Over the past few years, Shepherd University’s acceptance rate has remained relatively stable, hovering around 95–96%, indicating consistent accessibility rather than increasing competitiveness. Unlike more selective institutions, Shepherd does not heavily rely on early decision or action to shape its incoming class, focusing instead on equitable admissions for all applicants. International student admissions, while a smaller portion of the applicant pool, align with the university’s inclusive mission. Compared to peer public liberal arts colleges in the region, such as those in the West Virginia higher education system, Shepherd’s selectivity is less stringent, making it an attractive option for students seeking a supportive academic environment. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official Shepherd University admissions page at https://www.shepherd.edu/admissions.