Shawnee State University
About Shawnee State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Shawnee State University is a public university in Portsmouth, Ohio, along the Ohio River. It offers affordable programs in health care, nursing, fine arts, and game design, with a growing reputation for its digital simulation and game engineering program.
Founded
1986
Location
Portsmouth, Ohio
Students
2,484
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
48.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$10,626
Out-of-state: $17,358
Avg Net Price
$14,381
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$39,596
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
Feb 1
Regular
Aug 1
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72%
4-Year Grad
36%
6-Year Grad
49%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
43.1%
$/Student
$6.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 36% graduation rate is below average, but 72% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,626
In-State
$17,358
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,502
Books & Supplies
$1,024
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,974
After Financial Aid
$14,381
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,310
Receive Grants
38.6%
Take Loans
38.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,974/yr for in-state students, including $12,502 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,381. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $17,358.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Shawnee State University fund their education.
While in School
38.6%
Get Grants
Free money
38.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$34,861
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 38.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Shawnee State University.
Gender
58.1%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,247
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
237
Graduates
43.3%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
11.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 43.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
2,247
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Shawnee State University fields 12 varsity teams with 350 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
River States
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)
Student Athletes
350
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
196
Men
154
Women
10
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Shawnee State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$39,596
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Health and Medical Administrative Services
$45K
54 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
—
31 grads
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$67K
24 grads
1yr Earnings
Graphic Communications
—
20 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$41K
19 grads
4yr Earnings
Marketing
—
18 grads
Median earnings are $40K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shawnee State University
How much does Shawnee State University cost?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.