Shorter vs. RU

Comparable Facts

Compare Shorter University in Rome, GA with Radford University in Radford, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Radford University is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; Radford University 14:1.

Shorter vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter or RU? 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 Radford University than Shorter ($16,749 vs. $16,821).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 20.7% lower than at Radford University ($9,920 vs. $12,504).
• Shorter University is 96.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $12,082 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at RU than at Shorter University (about $1,003 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Radford University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 58.9% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($18,862 vs. $11,870).

Shorter vs. RU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shorter or RU? 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 RU and Shorter.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 70 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming RU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shorter).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 1040/1200; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than RU (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 14.4% at RU.

Shorter vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter and RU? 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Shorter University's (47%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than RU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $5,418 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($23,000 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($237 vs. $293).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 38%)

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.