Westfield State University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Westfield State University in Westfield, MA with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Westfield State University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (4,588 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Westfield State University is located in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Westfield State University 17:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Westfield State University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Westfield State University 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 Westfield State University than SU ($17,406 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 10.9% lower than at Westfield State University ($12,490 vs. $14,018).
• Shenandoah University is 203.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Westfield State University (about $24,771 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $12,179.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.4% higher at SU than at Westfield State University (about $18,691 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $18,259.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Westfield State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 173.3% larger than aid received by Westfield State University students ($24,747 vs. $9,054).

Westfield State University vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Westfield State University 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 Westfield State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shenandoah University (1120) is 30 points higher than at Westfield State University (1090).
• Incoming SU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Westfield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westfield State University 980/1190; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westfield State University 17/22; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Westfield State University - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027; SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Westfield State University (3.3).
• Westfield State University has a higher acceptance rate (81.4%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.2% at Westfield State University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Westfield State University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Westfield State University 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).

• Westfield State University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Westfield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($22,750 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($235 vs. $258).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.