Academic Comparison between VSU and SU

Virginia State University and Shenandoah University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. VSU is a four-year, public school located in Petersburg, VA and SU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Winchester, VA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • VSU is a public and SU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • SU has more expensive tuition & fees ($36,950) than VSU ($22,650).
  • It is harder to admit to SU than VSU.
  • VSU has more students with 5,605 students while SU has 4,454 students.
  • SU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while VSU's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • VSU has more full-time faculties with 313 faculties while SU has 266 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia State Universityvs.Shenandoah University
Petersburg, VirginiaLocationWinchester, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$10,043
Out-Of-State$22,650
2025 Tuition & Fees$36,950
91%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$15,647Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,332
88.63 %Acceptance Rates76.95 %
14.27 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.71 %
945SAT Score-
18ACT Score-
39 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate23 %
69 %Retention Rate82 %
5,605Student Population4,454
313Number of Faculties266
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services