Academic Comparison between PLNU and Shepherd

Point Loma Nazarene University and Shepherd University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. PLNU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in San Diego, CA and Shepherd is a four-year, public school located in Shepherdstown, WV.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • PLNU is a private (not-for-profit) and Shepherd is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLNU has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,250) than Shepherd ($19,082).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than Shepherd.
  • PLNU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than Shepherd (1,025).
  • PLNU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than Shepherd (21).
  • PLNU has more students with 4,757 students while Shepherd has 3,339 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Shepherd's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • PLNU has more full-time faculties with 162 faculties while Shepherd has 124 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Point Loma Nazarene Universityvs.Shepherd University
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationShepherdstown, West Virginia
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
$46,2502025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,056
Out-Of-State$19,082
85%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$19,348Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,688
83.68 %Acceptance Rates96.78 %
21.41 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)31.70 %
1,260SAT Score1,025
28ACT Score21
77 %Graduation Rate51 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate9 %
86 %Retention Rate71 %
4,757Student Population3,339
162Number of Faculties124
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services