WCU vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania is located in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

WCU vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania than SU ($22,546 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 15.8% lower than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($12,490 vs. $14,828).
• Shenandoah University is 242.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $26,175 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.5% higher at SU than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $14,351 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 333.5% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($24,747 vs. $5,709).

WCU vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU 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 WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (1190) is 70 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Incoming WCU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at WCU (3.43).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.4%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WCU vs. 16.7% at SU.

WCU vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $700 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($242 vs. $258).
• More WCU 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.