SU vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

Compare Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA with University of Charleston in Charleston, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shenandoah University is larger than University of Charleston based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,062 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shenandoah University is located in Winchester, VA (Small City setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shenandoah University 12:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

SU vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SU or University of Charleston? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Charleston than SU ($20,844 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Charleston are 1.7% lower than at Shenandoah University ($12,280 vs. $12,490).
• Shenandoah University is 9.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Charleston (about $3,150 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $33,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.3% higher at SU than at University of Charleston (about $3,150 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $33,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at University of Charleston (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 5.6% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($26,132 vs. $24,747).

SU vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SU or University of Charleston? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Charleston and SU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shenandoah University (1120) is 50 points higher than at University of Charleston (1070).
• Incoming SU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Charleston).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shenandoah University 1010/1230; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shenandoah University 19/26; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SU - Test-free; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at SU vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

SU vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SU and University of Charleston? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than University of Charleston graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Charleston students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 58%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.