Academic Comparison between Shepherd and PLNU

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

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.

  • Shepherd is a public and PLNU is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,025) than Shepherd (1,025).
  • PLNU has higher submitted ACT score (21) 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

Shepherd Universityvs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Shepherdstown, West VirginiaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (smaller programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$9,056
Out-Of-State$19,082
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
65%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$7,688Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
96.78 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
31.70 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
1,025SAT Score1,260
21ACT Score28
51 %Graduation Rate77 %
9 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
71 %Retention Rate86 %
3,339Student Population4,757
124Number of Faculties162
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services