About Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg University draws 4,179 students to its small-town Pennsylvania campus for strong programs in education, business, and criminal justice. The full university has built a reputation as a practical choice for students seeking career-focused degrees without the price tag of top institutions. With an 88% acceptance rate, Ship welcomes motivated students who might not have perfect test scores but are ready to work hard. The university sits in a town-fringe setting that offers a classic college experience away from urban distractions.
Students pay an average net price of $23,553 after financial aid, which represents solid value considering graduates earn a median of $56,351 ten years after leaving. The typical graduate carries $25,000 in debt with monthly payments of $265. That debt-to-income ratio suggests most students can manage their loans comfortably once they enter the workforce. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation and working-class families.
The Raiders compete in NCAA Division II with 479 student-athletes across 16 sports. With 91% of students coming from Pennsylvania, Ship maintains a tight-knit community feel where the 76% retention rate reflects students who find their fit and stick with it.
Students pay an average net price of $23,553 after financial aid, which represents solid value considering graduates earn a median of $56,351 ten years after leaving. The typical graduate carries $25,000 in debt with monthly payments of $265. That debt-to-income ratio suggests most students can manage their loans comfortably once they enter the workforce. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation and working-class families.
The Raiders compete in NCAA Division II with 479 student-athletes across 16 sports. With 91% of students coming from Pennsylvania, Ship maintains a tight-knit community feel where the 76% retention rate reflects students who find their fit and stick with it.
Academics & Faculty
Shippensburg University operates as a full public university with strong programs in education, business, and criminal justice. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 51.6% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. The university has built a reputation for preparing teachers and law enforcement professionals for Pennsylvania communities. Business programs also draw many of the 4,179 students. With 90.98% of students coming from in-state, the campus serves primarily Pennsylvania residents seeking affordable degree options. The 76.14% retention rate indicates most freshmen return for sophomore year, but persistence through graduation requires determination.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 50.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.6%
- Retention Rate
- 76.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,351
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,066 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,169 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,543 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $49,270 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $49,019 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $48,823 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $48,589 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $47,650 |
Campus Life
Ship sits in rural south-central Pennsylvania, about 40 miles southwest of Harrisburg. Students need winter coats for snowy Pennsylvania winters and layers for humid summers. With 4,179 students and housing for 2,538, about 60% live on campus in residence halls that anchor campus social life.
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in smaller classes. Nearly 91% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community where everyone seems connected. The Raiders compete in 16 Division II sports, and athletic events draw solid crowds from the 479 student-athletes and their supporters.
Weekends center around campus activities, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Carlisle or Harrisburg for shopping and restaurants. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate the social scene. Students often gather in residence hall lounges or the student center. The surrounding farmland offers hiking and outdoor activities, though many students prefer staying on campus where residence hall programming and athletic events provide regular entertainment. The small-town setting means campus becomes your world.
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in smaller classes. Nearly 91% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community where everyone seems connected. The Raiders compete in 16 Division II sports, and athletic events draw solid crowds from the 479 student-athletes and their supporters.
Weekends center around campus activities, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Carlisle or Harrisburg for shopping and restaurants. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate the social scene. Students often gather in residence hall lounges or the student center. The surrounding farmland offers hiking and outdoor activities, though many students prefer staying on campus where residence hall programming and athletic events provide regular entertainment. The small-town setting means campus becomes your world.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 2,538 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1871
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–37°F
- July Avg
- 64°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- -743.3"
Student Demographics
Students at Shippensburg come overwhelmingly from Pennsylvania communities, with over 90% staying close to home for their education. The school draws working-class families who value accessible higher education, as nearly 30% of students qualify for federal Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men on campus, reflecting strong enrollment in the university's education and social work programs. The student body is primarily white but includes meaningful representation from Black and Hispanic students. These demographics reinforce Shippensburg's role as a regional university serving Pennsylvania's rural communities and smaller cities.
- Men
- 48.9%
- Women
- 51.1%
- White
- 73.5%
- Black
- 12.0%
- Hispanic
- 7.1%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 91.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.6%
Location
Shippensburg University sits in south-central Pennsylvania, about 40 miles southwest of Harrisburg. The campus enrolls 4,179 students in a small town of roughly 5,500 residents. This rural setting puts students in the heart of Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley, surrounded by farmland and rolling hills. The town-fringe location means you get a traditional college town feel without complete isolation from larger communities. About 91% of students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the university's strong regional draw. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby state parks and hiking trails. Housing capacity reaches 2,538 students, creating a residential campus atmosphere in this agricultural region. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Shippensburg University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Shippensburg, Pennsylvania 17257-2299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,351
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,317
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?
Shippensburg accepts 87.8% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1095. This makes it accessible to most students who meet basic academic requirements at this public Pennsylvania university.
How much does Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,553 annually, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $18,253. With median debt of $25,000 upon graduation, monthly loan payments average $265.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?
Classes average 18 students per faculty member at this comprehensive university. Shippensburg is known for strong programs in education, business, and criminal justice.
What are graduates earning after Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?
Alumni earn a median salary of $56,351 ten years after graduation with a 96.5% employment rate. About half of students graduate within four years, reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation.
Where is Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in small-town Shippensburg with housing for 2,538 students among the 4,179 total enrollment. Nearly 91% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.
Does Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania offer athletics?
The Raiders compete in NCAA Division II with 16 varsity sports and 479 student-athletes. The university awards $1.2 million in athletic scholarships through the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
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