Shepherd University: what international applicants need

What are Shepherd University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Shepherd University has one application deadline for 2026–27: Early Action on November 15, 2026. It also admits on a rolling basis.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Shepherd University's acceptance rate?

96.8% for students who started in fall 2024: Shepherd University admitted 1,593 of its 1,646 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Shepherd University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. Shepherd University requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 15, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Shepherd University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 410–540 in Math and 468–600 in Reading and Writing (54% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 19–24.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Shepherd University's application fee for international students?

Shepherd University's application fee is $50 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Shepherd University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. Shepherd University accepts the Common App fee waiver from US students only.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does Shepherd University accept?

Shepherd University lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does Shepherd University accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests Shepherd University accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does Shepherd University require?

Shepherd University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Shepherd University require the Common App personal essay?

No. Shepherd University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Shepherd University have?

22 of Shepherd University's 3,032 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 0.7%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Shepherd University cost for international students?

Shepherd University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $19,082 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $9,056). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $12,916. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $35,461 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source