Shepherd University

Statistics

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Students Say - Academics
"Shepherd University is a public liberal arts college in West Virginia. The education department is "wonderful." "The art department is cool." There are "strong programs in the sciences as well." Washington Gateway courses allow students to spend time in Washington, D.C. and "great internships" are available there, too. Classes are small and students enjoy "one-on-one interaction" with the faculty. "I feel lucky to have access to instructors and administrators outside of the classroom, whereas, in a larger university, this may not be possible," says a first-year student. It's possible to "float by" but it's equally possible to have a really rewarding experience here. "Most of the professors at Shepherd actually care about your progress in and out of their class," says a math major. "Most will go to great lengths to help students who want to help themselves." The administration "makes an effort to get to know" students but it's "notorious for losing important student documents." "

Students Say - Campus Life
"Shepherd boasts "a beautiful location" on the banks of the Potomac River in the Shenandoah Valley, roughly "in the middle of nowhere." The social scene is "very relaxed." "It is a smaller school where you can get to know a lot of people and get involved." Sororities, fraternities, religious groups, and community service activities are popular. However, "if you're not involved in organizations it's very hard to actually find something to do." When the weekend rolls around, the campus can seem "like a ghost town." "Shepherd is pretty much known as a suitcase campus." There are "a lot of commuters" and "the battles for parking spaces" is a daily grind. "A fair number of students" drink and there's a moderate drug scene. "Hippies come out side when weather gets warm and play their drums and smoke." Overall, though, Shepherd cannot be categorized as anything approaching a party school. "Students here enjoy art, music and things that aren't the norm." It's also "a very politically active campus" and "people here enjoy the outdoors." Hiking, rafting, and the like are readily available."

Students Say - Student Body
"The vast majority of the students are West Virginians. "Middle-class white kids" proliferate. There are many "older students who have returned to school after several years off." Ethnic diversity is minimal. "If you are from West Virginia, it is diverse," suggests a senior. "If you are from another state, it is most likely not." Politically, the culture is "left-leaning." However, conservatives feel at home. "I am a right-wing conservative, and I fit into Shepherd just fine," says a junior. "We are open-minded and you will not be shunned based on religion, politics, or beliefs." For a small college in a small town, the students are a pretty eclectic mix. "I love that Shepherd has preps, hippies, jocks, gamers, geeks, and everyone else in between," declares a senior. "Everyone fits in somewhere, and it's not unusual to find a football player hanging out with a musician.""

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