Shepherd University vs University of Charleston: which has better ROI?
University of Charleston has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,428 in 11.9 years versus 45.5 years at Shepherd University, on median earnings of $55,774 vs $49,358 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Shepherd University | University of Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,363 | $22,107 |
| Total net cost | $45,452 | $88,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,358 | $55,774 |
| Median debt | $21,600 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 45.5 yrs | 11.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$25,492 | $59,852 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Shepherd University or University of Charleston?
Shepherd University, at $11,363 a year after aid versus $22,107 — a gap of $10,744 a year, or $42,976 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Shepherd University or University of Charleston graduates earn more?
University of Charleston graduates report a median $55,774 ten years after entry, $6,416 more than the $49,358 at Shepherd University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Shepherd University or University of Charleston?
University of Charleston: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $21,600 at Shepherd University, a difference of $2,100. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at Shepherd University, against 46% at University of Charleston. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.