Shepherd University vs West Virginia Wesleyan College: which has better ROI?
West Virginia Wesleyan College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,332 in 22.4 years versus 45.5 years at Shepherd University, on median earnings of $51,593 vs $49,358 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Shepherd University | West Virginia Wesleyan College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,363 | $18,083 |
| Total net cost | $45,452 | $72,332 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,358 | $51,593 |
| Median debt | $21,600 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 45.5 yrs | 22.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$25,492 | -$7,672 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Shepherd University or West Virginia Wesleyan College?
Shepherd University, at $11,363 a year after aid versus $18,083 — a gap of $6,720 a year, or $26,880 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 West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates earn more?
West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates report a median $51,593 ten years after entry, $2,235 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 West Virginia Wesleyan College?
Shepherd University: its completers carry a median $21,600 in federal loans versus $27,000 at West Virginia Wesleyan College, a difference of $5,400. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
57% of students finish at West Virginia Wesleyan College, against 51% at Shepherd University. 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.