Shenandoah University

Winchester, Virginia, United States · Est. 1875 · Private Non-profit

The Big Little University Rising: 200+ areas of study across six schools in Winchester, Virginia.

  • Founded 1875 as Dayton High School; became Shenandoah University in 1991
  • Private, United Methodist-affiliated institution with ~4,488 students (2,723 undergrad, 1,765 graduate)
  • Located in Winchester, Virginia, 70 miles west of Washington, D.C.
  • Six schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions, Conservatory, plus Engineering & Technology and Education & Leadership divisions
  • NCAA Division III athletics (23 varsity sports); member of Old Dominion Athletic Conference since 2012–13
  • Notable strengths: music therapy (state's oldest program), virtual reality design, esports management, performing arts with 300+ performances annually

Academics

Shenandoah offers more than 200 areas of study at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels across six schools and colleges. The university is home to Virginia's first bachelor's degrees in virtual reality design and esports management, as well as the state's oldest music therapy program. The Shenandoah Conservatory is a major performing arts hub, hosting 300+ performances annually with 30+ performing groups. Over 70% of full-time faculty hold a doctorate or terminal degree in their field.

Campus & Student Life

The main campus is located in Winchester near Interstate 81, with additional locations in Loudoun (Ashburn), downtown Winchester, and the Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield. The James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Events Center (opened 2017) is a 77,000-square-foot facility featuring a multipurpose arena, indoor track, and training facilities. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, study abroad opportunities in 69 countries, and extensive student organizations and community engagement programs.

Admissions

Shenandoah welcomes first-year, transfer, graduate, and international students. The university serves a diverse student body representing 42 foreign countries and 48 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Conservatory students must audition for admission. The university offers virtual tours and campus visits to prospective students.

Outcomes

The university has over 30,000 alumni. Notable graduates include actress Kate Flannery (The Office), drummer Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band), and actor Harold Perrineau (The Matrix films). Shenandoah athletics has won 8 ODAC titles since 2015, with 61 major individual ODAC awards since 2012. The university emphasizes career preparation and professional development through internships, experiential learning, and alumni networks.

Founded
1875
Type
Private Non-profit
Courses
13
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationUnited Methodist Church
Websitehttps://www.su.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
13
Avg career outcomes
$58.4K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources