FDU vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, NJ with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (8,045 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is located in Teaneck, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 14:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

FDU vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FDU 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus than SU ($16,920 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 23.2% lower than at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ($12,490 vs. $16,270).
• Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $1,054 more per year; $38,004.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at FDU than at Shenandoah University (about $1,054 more per year; $38,004.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus students is 36.6% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($33,807 vs. $24,747).

FDU vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FDU 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 FDU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shenandoah University (1120) is 80 points higher than at FDU (1040).
• Incoming SU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at FDU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 908/1180; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 20/23; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FDU - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at FDU (3.31).
• FDU has a higher acceptance rate (90.7%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at FDU vs. 16.7% at SU.

FDU vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FDU 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).

• Shenandoah University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus's (41%).
• Graduates from Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,900 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than FDU graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than FDU graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FDU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.