Shenandoah University

Virginia Beach, USA

Recommended

Type of institution:

University

Age range:17+

Type of training:

Full-time
Part-time
Hybrid
Online

Language of instruction:

english

Year of foundation:1875

About the Shenandoah University

Shenandoah University is a private university that combines professional education (medicine, business, music) with a humanities base. It was founded by Dr. Abraham Funkhouser and Professor Jay Frazier and has historical ties to the United Methodist Church. In 1960, the university moved to its current 126-acre main campus in Winchester, with several other branches, including the Loudoun campus (Ashburn, Virginia, near Washington) for graduate and clinical programs. The university is widely known for its highly respected healthcare programs, internationally recognized business school, and the renowned Shenandoah Conservatory, which hosts over 300 musical, theatrical, and dance performances each year. Admission policy is test-blind (SAT/ACT scores are not considered at all). Unlike Lycoming, Salve Regina, and Schreiner, Shenandoah is a large multi-disciplinary university offering programs from bachelor's to doctoral degrees.

Admission conditions in Shenandoah University

The application is submitted directly through the university's website or Common App. The admission policy is test-blind: standardized test results are not considered at all, unlike the test-optional policy of other universities considered. The application deadline for freshmen is August 1, for transfers - July 1 (effectively rolling admission for almost the entire year). Standard documents include: application, school transcript, essay (for certain competitive programs - such as conservatories - an audition/portfolio/review is required). The format of education is in-person on the main campus in Winchester; separate master's and clinical programs (business, education, leadership, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, accelerated bachelor's degree in nursing) are available on the Loudoun campus near Washington, as well as in a hybrid/online format.

Minimum rating for admission to Shenandoah University

Tests are not considered (test-blind), so there is no formal passing score for the SAT/ACT. Approximate indicators of admitted students: - Average high school GPA - 3.71; - Acceptance rate - from 74% to 85% depending on the year and source - moderately non-selective admission; - Retention rate of freshmen - about 82%. For competitive programs (Conservatory, Pharmacy School, Nursing) there is a separate competitive selection process - auditions, portfolios, interviews.

Prospects after completing studies in Shenandoah University

The four-year graduation rate is 47%, the six-year graduation rate is around 67%. The median salary of graduates six years after graduation is $48,167. 64% of first-year students receive financial aid based on need, with the average net price for recipients of federal loans being $28,295. Clinical partnerships: interprofessional education, where nursing, pharmacy, and occupational therapy students work in interdisciplinary teams; clinical internships at INOVA Hospital; exchange programs, such as trips to the World Congress of Music Therapy. The Bachelor of Nursing program is ranked number 1 among private universities in Virginia (according to RNCareers.org), the conservatory's musical theater program is a top performer in the country (according to CollegeRaptor), and the School of Business's sports management program is ranked second in Virginia in 2026. The diploma follows the American model, the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and is internationally recognized through standard recognition procedures.