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University of Mary Washington vs Shenandoah University

University of Mary Washington is a public university in Fredericksburg, VA, and Shenandoah University is a private university in Winchester, VA. Shenandoah University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 80% at University of Mary Washington. University of Mary Washington is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,667 a year against $30,298 at Shenandoah University. About 69% of students graduate at Shenandoah University, compared with 67% at University of Mary Washington. Ten years after enrolling, University of Mary Washington alumni earn a median of about $60,613, against $58,433 for Shenandoah University.

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Winchester, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,566
2,116
Acceptance rate
80%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1370
1010–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
19–26
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,667
$30,298
Full cost / yr
$31,137
$51,928
In-state tuition
$14,640
$36,950
Out-of-state tuition
$27,560
$36,950
Application fee
$50
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,304
$24,356
$30k - $48k
$11,061
$26,715
$48k - $75k
$15,477
$26,635
$75k - $110k
$26,212
$30,332
Over $110k
$30,986
$33,591
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
69%
Freshman retention
84%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,411
$48,167
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,613
$58,433
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
19%
First-generation students
25%
28%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 4
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 University of Mary Washington or Shenandoah University harder to get into?
Shenandoah University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 80% at University of Mary Washington. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary Washington or Shenandoah University?
University of Mary Washington is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,667 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 University of Mary Washington and Shenandoah University?
Before aid, University of Mary Washington costs about $31,137 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, University of Mary Washington or Shenandoah University?
University of Mary Washington. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,304 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, University of Mary Washington or Shenandoah University?
University of Mary Washington is the larger of the two, with about 3,566 undergraduates against 2,116 at Shenandoah University.
Does University of Mary Washington or Shenandoah University have a better graduation rate?
Shenandoah University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 67% at University of Mary Washington.
Do graduates of University of Mary Washington or Shenandoah University earn more?
University of Mary Washington alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,613 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,433 for Shenandoah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Mary Washington and Shenandoah University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Mary Washington considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Shenandoah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Mary Washington and Shenandoah University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1370 at University of Mary Washington and 1010–1230 at Shenandoah University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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