Elizabeth City State University vs Shepherd University
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) and Shepherd University (SU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning with unique characteristics. ECSU, a historically Black university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, while SU, located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum. With acceptance rates of 68% and 75%, respectively, both universities welcome a substantial number of students each year. While ECSU's student body is predominantly African American, SU's student population is more diverse, reflecting its broader regional appeal. In terms of popular majors, ECSU students often pursue degrees in education, business, and social sciences, while SU students frequently choose majors in business, health professions, and social sciences. With graduation rates of 42% and 58%, respectively, both universities are committed to supporting students in completing their degrees. To explore further and discover which university aligns best with your academic
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![]() Elizabeth City State University |
![]() Shepherd University |
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Overview |
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Location | Elizabeth City, North Carolina | Shepherdstown, West Virginia |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | Town: Fringe |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 73.0% | 66.0% |
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Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 76.8% | 96.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$30
Graduate:
$30
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Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$40
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SAT range | 860 - 1070 | 960 - 1180 |
ACT range | 15 - 19 | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 9.0% | 47.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 21.0% | 17.0% |
Total number of applicants | 3,373 | 1,338 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,590 | 1,290 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 324 | 419 |
Yield rate | 12.5% | 32.5% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$13,626
Out of state:
$17,626
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In state:
$23,132
Out of state:
$33,572
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Average net price | $4,085 | $10,360 |
Tuition |
In state:
$1,000
Out of state:
$5,000
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In state:
$5,790
Out of state:
$15,276
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,037
Meal plan:
$3,426
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Room/dormitory:
$5,798
Meal plan:
$5,050
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
93.0%
Average amount $9,427 |
87.0%
Average amount $7,767 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
61.0%
Average amount $5,045 |
53.0%
Average amount $5,075 |
Students taking out private loans |
1.0%
Average amount $10,979 |
7.0%
Average amount $12,449 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,956
Men 40.2% Women 59.8% |
2,450
Men 39.6% Women 60.4% |
Graduate students |
98
Men 21.4% Women 78.6% |
565
Men 22.1% Women 77.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 32.5% | 27.6% |
International students | 0.5% | 1.4% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | Town: Fringe |
Dormitory capacity | 1,583 | 1,052 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | North Carolina Virginia Maryland New Jersey South Carolina | West Virginia Maryland Virginia Pennsylvania District of Columbia |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 14:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 39.8% | 44.1% |
Dropout rate | 23.5% | 43.3% |
Transferred out | 34.5% | 10.9% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
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