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Roanoke College vs Shenandoah University

Roanoke College is a private college in Salem, VA. Shenandoah University is a private university in Winchester, VA. Shenandoah University admits about 77% of applicants and Roanoke College about 83%, making Shenandoah University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $24,503 a year at Roanoke College after aid, and about $30,298 at Shenandoah University. About 69% of students graduate at Shenandoah University, compared with 67% at Roanoke College. Ten years after enrolling, Shenandoah University alumni earn a median of about $58,433, against $58,047 for Roanoke College.

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Salem, VA
Winchester, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,767
2,116
Acceptance rate
83%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1300
1010–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,503
$30,298
Full cost / yr
$54,283
$51,928
In-state tuition
$38,068
$36,950
Out-of-state tuition
$38,068
$36,950
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,204
$24,356
$30k - $48k
$17,410
$26,715
$48k - $75k
$18,638
$26,635
$75k - $110k
$15,902
$30,332
Over $110k
$30,087
$33,591
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
69%
Freshman retention
76%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,330
$48,167
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,047
$58,433
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
19%
First-generation students
21%
28%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 4
Regular decision
Mar 15
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Roanoke College or Shenandoah University harder to get into?
Shenandoah University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 83% at Roanoke College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Roanoke College or Shenandoah University?
Roanoke College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,503 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,298 at Shenandoah University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Roanoke College and Shenandoah University?
Before aid, Shenandoah University costs about $51,928 a year and Roanoke College about $54,283. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Roanoke College or Shenandoah University?
Roanoke College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,204 there, against about $24,356 at Shenandoah University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Roanoke College or Shenandoah University?
Shenandoah University is the larger of the two, with about 2,116 undergraduates against 1,767 at Roanoke College.
Does Roanoke College or Shenandoah University have a better graduation rate?
Shenandoah University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 67% at Roanoke College.
Do graduates of Roanoke College or Shenandoah University earn more?
Shenandoah University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,433 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,047 for Roanoke College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Roanoke College and Shenandoah University require SAT or ACT scores?
Roanoke College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shenandoah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Roanoke College and Shenandoah University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1300 at Roanoke College and 1010–1230 at Shenandoah University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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