Shepherd University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Shepherdstown, WV — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Shepherdstown, WV San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 2,344 21,996
Acceptance Rate 96.8% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,034
In-State Tuition $9,056 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $19,082 $34,665
Avg Net Price $11,363 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $21,600 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 50.2% 85.7%
Retention Rate 71.4% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $43,726 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $49,358 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 199600.0% 437700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Full Profile
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV
View full college profile →
Full Profile
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Shepherd University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
Shepherd University (Shepherdstown, WV) has an acceptance rate of 96.8%, in-state tuition of $9,056, and median 10-year earnings of $49,358. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Shepherd University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $49,358. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Shepherd University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Shepherd University is the more affordable option at $11,363 per year versus $16,665.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% vs 50.2%.

More Comparisons

All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025