If you’re researching Shepherd University for a computer science degree, you’re probably asking one core question: is Shepherd good for computer science, or should you look elsewhere? Shepherd University, located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is a small public liberal arts institution — and its size, cost, and program structure all play into whether it’s the right fit for a CS-focused student.
Here are 7 honest facts to help you answer is Shepherd good for computer science for your own situation.
Fact 1: The Program Offers Multiple CS Concentrations
Shepherd University houses its computer science offerings under the Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) program, which includes concentrations in computer science, computer programming and information systems, networking and security, and computer graphics and game design. This structure gives students flexibility to specialize rather than following one rigid CS track.
The program sits within the Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Engineering, which also offers minors in computer and information sciences, engineering science, and applied mathematics and data science.
Fact 2: Its National and State Rankings Are Respectable, Not Elite
When answering is Shepherd good for computer science from a rankings standpoint, the picture is solid for a small regional school, though not top-tier:
College Factual ranked Shepherd’s computer & information sciences bachelor’s program #699 overall nationally, and #7 in West Virginia.
Another ranking placed Shepherd’s computer program at #777 out of 2,687 schools nationally — the top 30% — and in the top 5 computer schools in West Virginia.
For a small public university, landing in the top 30% nationally and top 5–7 in-state is a reasonably strong showing.
Fact 3: The Program Is Small But Growing
Program size matters when weighing is Shepherd good for computer science, since smaller programs often mean more individual attention but fewer specialized electives.
Shepherd awarded 37 bachelor’s degrees in computer & information sciences during the 2021–2022 academic year, a 16% increase over the previous year’s 32 degrees.
The program also graduated 3 master’s degree students in the same period.
Shepherd does not currently offer an online option for its computer & information sciences bachelor’s degree.
Fact 4: Students Praise Small Classes and Faculty Attention
Student reviews give a personal answer to is Shepherd good for computer science. On Niche, reviewers note that the computer science department emphasizes team assignments to encourage group problem-solving, and students report positive experiences with professors and classmates. Small class sizes come up repeatedly as a strength, with one student noting that what she liked most about Shepherd were the professors and small class sizes.
Fact 5: Real Internship and Research Opportunities Exist
Beyond the classroom, Shepherd offers some notable extras worth factoring in:
Faculty help connect students to internships with employers such as U.S. Coast Guard Technology, Volvo, and the IRS.
Students can compete for scholarships up to $10,000 through National Science Foundation S-STEM program funding.
Shepherd has a study-abroad exchange agreement with Zurich University of Applied Sciences’ School of Engineering, which offers computer science and data science programs.
Fact 6: Costs Are Moderate, Not Cheap
Affordability plays a big role in deciding is Shepherd good for computer science compared to larger or pricier schools. The average net price at Shepherd is $22,519, and about 53% of students take out loans averaging $6,673 per year — roughly $26,692 over four years for borrowing students. Tuition runs around $20,000 per year, higher than some public schools but generally more affordable than private institutions or out-of-state tuition elsewhere.
Fact 7: Admissions Are Highly Accessible
Shepherd isn’t a selective school, which matters if you’re weighing your acceptance odds. Shepherd has an acceptance rate of about 96%, making it fairly easy to get into as long as you submit the required materials. That accessibility is a plus for students who want a straightforward path into a CS program without a highly competitive admissions process.
The Honest Verdict: Is Shepherd Good for Computer Science?
So, is Shepherd good for computer science? It depends on your priorities.
Shepherd may be a good fit if you want:
Small class sizes and close faculty relationships
Flexibility across CS, programming/IS, networking/security, or graphics/game design concentrations
Real internship connections with organizations like the U.S. Coast Guard and IRS
Easier admissions and moderate costs
A quiet, small-town setting near Washington, D.C.
Shepherd may not be the best fit if you want:
A nationally top-ranked, research-intensive CS program
An online undergraduate CS degree option
A large alumni network concentrated in major tech hubs
Access to extensive research labs or a wide elective catalog
For students who value personal attention, program flexibility, and affordability over prestige, Shepherd’s computer science program is a credible, solid choice — just not one built to compete with major research universities on rankings or resources alone.
