Shorter vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); Valdosta State University is in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; Valdosta State University 17:1.

Shorter vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter or VSU? 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 Valdosta State University than Shorter ($11,144 vs. $16,821).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 3.9% lower than at Shorter University ($9,530 vs. $9,920).
• Shorter University is 302.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $18,506 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.1% higher at Shorter than at Valdosta State University (about $6,794 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Valdosta State University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 84.8% larger than aid received by Valdosta State University students ($18,862 vs. $10,206).

Shorter vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 110 points higher than at VSU (1010).
• Incoming Shorter students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 1040/1200; Valdosta State University 920/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; VSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027; VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shorter students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at VSU (3.23).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 26% at VSU.

Shorter vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter and VSU? 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).

• Shorter University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Valdosta State University's (43%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $3,418 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($25,000 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($258 vs. $293).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (41% 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.