About Shorter University
Shorter University builds its reputation around Christian liberal arts education with particularly strong programs in music and education. The 1,091 students on this small Georgia campus experience the close-knit community feel that comes with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly 98% of applicants gain admission, making this an accessible option for students seeking a Baptist-affiliated education in Rome's small-city setting.
The financial picture tells a story of affordability with limitations. Students pay an average net price of $16,286 after aid, less than the $24,044 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $44,604 ten years after graduation while carrying $25,000 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable but noticeable burden given the earning potential.
Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 411 student-athletes competing across 16 NCAA Division II sports. The Hawks receive over $3.7 million in athletic scholarships, suggesting serious investment in sports programs. The 37% six-year graduation rate raises questions about academic support and student persistence, though the 95% employment rate shows those who complete degrees find work successfully.
The financial picture tells a story of affordability with limitations. Students pay an average net price of $16,286 after aid, less than the $24,044 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $44,604 ten years after graduation while carrying $25,000 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable but noticeable burden given the earning potential.
Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 411 student-athletes competing across 16 NCAA Division II sports. The Hawks receive over $3.7 million in athletic scholarships, suggesting serious investment in sports programs. The 37% six-year graduation rate raises questions about academic support and student persistence, though the 95% employment rate shows those who complete degrees find work successfully.
Academics & Faculty
Shorter University operates as a Baptist liberal arts college with particularly strong music and education programs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship opportunities in small classes. However, the 34% four-year graduation rate reflects academic challenges many students face. The university's music program has built a regional reputation for vocal performance and church music preparation. Education majors benefit from extensive field experience in Rome-area schools. With 97% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1125, Shorter welcomes students across academic ability levels. The Baptist foundation influences curriculum choices, especially in humanities and social sciences. Academic support services help address the retention challenges reflected in the 67% first-year return rate.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 61.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.1%
- Retention Rate
- 67.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,604
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $61,516 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,823 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $45,249 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,937 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,402 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $39,585 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,992 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
Campus Life
Rome sits about an hour northwest of Atlanta, giving Hawks access to big-city internships while keeping that small-town feel. With housing capacity at 760 students and total enrollment of 1,091, roughly 70% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen in Georgia - expect hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional snow.
The Baptist foundation shapes campus culture, though the 97% acceptance rate brings together students from diverse backgrounds. About 78% come from in-state, creating a familiar Georgia atmosphere. With 16 varsity sports and 411 total athletes, nearly 40% of students compete at the NCAA Division II level, making athletics central to campus identity. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the well-regarded music and education programs. Weekends often revolve around Hawks games, campus ministry events, and trips to Atlanta. The Conference Carolinas schedule keeps teams traveling throughout the Southeast, building school spirit around road trips and rivalry games.
The Baptist foundation shapes campus culture, though the 97% acceptance rate brings together students from diverse backgrounds. About 78% come from in-state, creating a familiar Georgia atmosphere. With 16 varsity sports and 411 total athletes, nearly 40% of students compete at the NCAA Division II level, making athletics central to campus identity. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the well-regarded music and education programs. Weekends often revolve around Hawks games, campus ministry events, and trips to Atlanta. The Conference Carolinas schedule keeps teams traveling throughout the Southeast, building school spirit around road trips and rivalry games.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 760 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1873
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–51°F
- July Avg
- 68°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Shorter University draws students who value its Baptist foundation and small-town Christian community. With 77% of students from Georgia, the Hawks have built a strong regional reputation that keeps local families coming back. The student body leans slightly female at 53%, reflecting the university's emphasis on education and music programs that traditionally attract more women. Nearly four in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing Shorter's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working-class families. The diverse mix includes 19% Black students and 9% Hispanic students, creating meaningful representation within the faith-centered environment.
- Men
- 47.2%
- Women
- 52.8%
- White
- 61.9%
- Black
- 19.0%
- Hispanic
- 9.4%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 77.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.4%
Location
Shorter University sits in Rome, Georgia, about 65 miles northwest of Atlanta. The city of 36,000 residents lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers converge to form the Coosa River. Rome blends small-town charm with industrial heritage, featuring historic downtown districts and antebellum architecture. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby state parks and the Chattahoochee National Forest. With 77.48% of students coming from within Georgia, Shorter draws heavily from the state's population. The campus houses 760 students in residential facilities, creating a close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller college towns. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Shorter University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Rome, Georgia 30165
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,604
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,722
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Shorter University?
Shorter University accepts 97.47% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 960-1290 on the SAT with an average of 1125.
How much does Shorter University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,286 after aid, less than the $35,028 total cost. About 37% of students receive financial aid, with the average institutional grant worth $20,057.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Shorter University?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 across the 1,091 enrolled students. This Baptist-affiliated university is known for strong programs in music and education within its Christian liberal arts framework.
What are the graduation outcomes at Shorter University?
Only 37% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year graduation rate of 34%. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,604 ten years after enrollment, though the employment rate reaches 95.4%.
Where is Shorter University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Rome, Georgia, a small city setting that houses 760 students in on-campus facilities. With 52.8% women and 47.2% men, the student body is 61.87% white and draws primarily from Georgia with 77% in-state enrollment.
Does Shorter University have strong athletics programs?
The Hawks compete in NCAA Division II with 16 varsity sports and 411 total athletes. The university invests $3.7 million in athletic scholarships, reflecting its commitment to competitive sports alongside academics.
