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Shenandoah University vs Virginia Military Institute

Shenandoah University is a private university in Winchester, VA, and Virginia Military Institute is a public institute in Lexington, VA. Virginia Military Institute is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 77% at Shenandoah University. Virginia Military Institute is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,113 a year against $30,298 at Shenandoah University. About 79% of students graduate at Virginia Military Institute, compared with 69% at Shenandoah University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Military Institute alumni earn a median of about $77,369, against $58,433 for Shenandoah University.

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA · Private

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Winchester, VA
Lexington, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,116
1,527
Acceptance rate
77%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1230
1050–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
24–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,298
$17,113
Full cost / yr
$51,928
$34,824
In-state tuition
$36,950
$21,046
Out-of-state tuition
$36,950
$52,638
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,356
$12,697
$30k - $48k
$26,715
$9,246
$48k - $75k
$26,635
$12,162
$75k - $110k
$30,332
$13,385
Over $110k
$33,591
$23,434
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
79%
Freshman retention
82%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,167
$63,545
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,433
$77,369
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$22,996
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
16%
First-generation students
28%
15%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 4
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 Shenandoah University or Virginia Military Institute harder to get into?
Virginia Military Institute is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 77% at Shenandoah University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Shenandoah University or Virginia Military Institute?
Virginia Military Institute is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,113 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 Shenandoah University and Virginia Military Institute?
Before aid, Virginia Military Institute costs about $34,824 a year and Shenandoah University about $51,928. 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, Shenandoah University or Virginia Military Institute?
Virginia Military Institute. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,697 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, Shenandoah University or Virginia Military Institute?
Shenandoah University is the larger of the two, with about 2,116 undergraduates against 1,527 at Virginia Military Institute.
Does Shenandoah University or Virginia Military Institute have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher graduation rate, at about 79% against 69% at Shenandoah University.
Do graduates of Shenandoah University or Virginia Military Institute earn more?
Virginia Military Institute alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,369 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,433 for Shenandoah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Shenandoah University and Virginia Military Institute require SAT or ACT scores?
Shenandoah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Military Institute is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Shenandoah University and Virginia Military Institute look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1230 at Shenandoah University and 1050–1270 at Virginia Military Institute. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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