Roanoke College vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Roanoke College in Salem, VA with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shenandoah University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Roanoke College is located in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Roanoke College 11:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Roanoke College vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Roanoke College 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 Roanoke College than SU ($26,044 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 18.7% lower than at Roanoke College ($12,490 vs. $15,366).
• Roanoke College is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $1,118 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Roanoke College than at Shenandoah University (about $1,118 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College as at Shenandoah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 13.9% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($28,188 vs. $24,747).

Roanoke College vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Roanoke College 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 Roanoke College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Roanoke College (1200) is 80 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Incoming Roanoke College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Roanoke College 1090/1300; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Roanoke College 24/31; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Roanoke College - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Roanoke College (3.56).
• Roanoke College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Roanoke College vs. 16.7% at SU.

Roanoke College vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Roanoke College 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).

• Roanoke College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Roanoke College earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Roanoke College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.