Shenandoah University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Shenandoah University (SU) is 80.36%. This means that 80 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is Shenandoah University Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as SU is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
Shenandoah University Admission Requirements
SU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SU is 3.7. SU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.4 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.3 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into SU Without SAT Or ACT?: Shenandoah University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Shenandoah University (SU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Shenandoah University Average SAT Score: 1120
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Shenandoah University is 1120 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Shenandoah University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1120 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Shenandoah University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to SU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Shenandoah University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SAT Composite | 1120 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at SU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Shenandoah University (SU) with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Shenandoah University (SU) are good but the admission staff at SU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
SU Profile
Name: Shenandoah University (SU)
City: Winchester
URL: www.su.edu/
State: Virginia
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 22601-5195
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from SU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Shenandoah University is USD: 49610. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Shenandoah University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
18.46% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 73.68 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Shenandoah University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SU as your choice in the form.
How much a SU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the SU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 58433. An average SU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Shenandoah University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Shenandoah University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1087 | 22 |
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1088 | 21 |
Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
Southern California Institute of Architecture | Southern California Institute of Architecture, CA | 1100 | NA |
University of Northern Colorado | University of Northern Colorado, CO | 1106 | 24 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Shenandoah University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Shenandoah University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
William Jessup University | William Jessup University, CA | 1130 | NA |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Shenandoah University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1192 | 24 |
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Area Studies
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions About Shenandoah University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $58433 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Shenandoah University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $49610 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Shenandoah University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Shenandoah University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Shenandoah University is 80.36 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Shenandoah University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Shenandoah University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.4, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Shenandoah University with a 3.4 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.4 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Shenandoah University if my GPA is below 3.3
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Shenandoah University?
Answer: Admission to Shenandoah University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1120 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Shenandoah University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Shenandoah University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Shenandoah University?
Answer: The campus culture at Shenandoah University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Shenandoah University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Shenandoah University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.