Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Shenandoah University at a Glance
Shenandoah University is a private university in Winchester, Virginia, United States. It has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students across more than 200 areas of study in six schools and colleges. Shenandoah University is one of five United Methodist Church-affiliated institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
1875
151 years old
$89M
$89.1 million (2025)
4,488
2,723 undergrad · 1,765 grad
Identity
Is Shenandoah University Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Shenandoah University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,433 — 9% above average — while paying $30,298/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 69% graduation rate means roughly 31% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Shenandoah University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Shenandoah University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in VA
Ranked #138 of 219 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #6 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #138 | Shenandoah University | 33 | $30,298 | $58,433 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Shenandoah University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in VA.
Best Programs at Shenandoah University
The highest-earning program at Shenandoah University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $16,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Shenandoah University earns $61,000, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $16,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,298/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,000 | $61,000 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,700 | $39,700 | $25,742 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,500 | $35,500 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,500 | $33,500 | $25,500 |
| Psychology, General | $29,400 | $29,400 | $25,875 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $16,900 | $16,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Winchester, VA
- Student Body
- 2,116 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 69%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,298
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,433
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000