ASU vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

ASU vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or SU? 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 Appalachian State University than SU ($14,978 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 2.9% lower than at Appalachian State University ($12,490 vs. $12,868).
• Shenandoah University is 387.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $29,371 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.6% higher at SU than at Appalachian State University (about $11,738 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 208.8% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($24,747 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or SU? 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 SU and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 80 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Incoming ASU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at SU (3.7).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 16.7% at SU.

ASU vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and SU? 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 60%)

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.