Capital University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Capital University in Columbus, OH with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shenandoah University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Capital University is located in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Capital University 9:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Capital University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Capital University 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 Capital University than SU ($22,395 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 3.8% lower than at Capital University ($12,490 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 17% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $6,284 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at Capital University than at Shenandoah University (about $6,284 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Capital University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 39.3% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($34,471 vs. $24,747).

Capital University vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Capital University 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 Capital University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shenandoah University (1120) is 70 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming SU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 910/1180; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 18/25; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Capital University - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027; SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Capital University (3.63).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at Capital University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Capital University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Capital University 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Capital University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $47,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.