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Shenandoah University vs Virginia Wesleyan University

Shenandoah University is a private university in Winchester, VA, and Virginia Wesleyan University is a private university in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Wesleyan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 73% of applicants against 77% at Shenandoah University. Virginia Wesleyan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,676 a year against $30,298 at Shenandoah University. About 69% of students graduate at Shenandoah University, compared with 46% at Virginia Wesleyan University. Ten years after enrolling, Shenandoah University alumni earn a median of about $58,433, against $50,074 for Virginia Wesleyan University.

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA · Private

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Winchester, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,116
1,256
Acceptance rate
77%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1230
1140–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
28–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,298
$19,676
Full cost / yr
$51,928
$51,255
In-state tuition
$36,950
$37,500
Out-of-state tuition
$36,950
$37,500
Application fee
$30
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,356
$14,080
$30k - $48k
$26,715
$17,108
$48k - $75k
$26,635
$15,967
$75k - $110k
$30,332
$22,603
Over $110k
$33,591
$24,782
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
46%
Freshman retention
82%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,167
$39,200
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,433
$50,074
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
27%
First-generation students
28%
31%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 4
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Shenandoah University or Virginia Wesleyan University harder to get into?
Virginia Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 73% 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 Wesleyan University?
Virginia Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,676 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 Wesleyan University?
Before aid, Virginia Wesleyan University costs about $51,255 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 Wesleyan University?
Virginia Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,080 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 Wesleyan University?
Shenandoah University is the larger of the two, with about 2,116 undergraduates against 1,256 at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Does Shenandoah University or Virginia Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
Shenandoah University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 46% at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Do graduates of Shenandoah University or Virginia Wesleyan University earn more?
Shenandoah University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,433 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,074 for Virginia Wesleyan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Shenandoah University and Virginia Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
Shenandoah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Wesleyan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Shenandoah University and Virginia Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1230 at Shenandoah University and 1140–1350 at Virginia Wesleyan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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