Shenandoah University traces its origins to February 12, 1875, when Abram Paul Funkhouser and John (Jay) Paul Fries established it as Shenandoah Seminary. Initially situated on a 10-acre (4.0 ha) campus in Dayton, Virginia, the school held classes in a modest two-room log cabin and enrolled just 11 students during its inaugural year. Over the course of 85 years, the institution underwent six name changes but consistently retained "Shenandoah" as part of its identity.
In 1924, Shenandoah Seminary transitioned into a junior college, adopting the name Shenandoah College the following year. By 1937, Shenandoah Conservatory became an independent corporation and began offering four-year degree programs, marking a significant expansion in the institution's academic offerings.
Academics
Shenandoah University provides a diverse range of over 200 programs, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates. The university spans six schools and is known for innovative programming, including Virginia's first bachelor's degrees in virtual reality design and esports management. It also boasts the state's longest-standing music therapy program, available at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
The university's academic divisions include the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, Shenandoah Conservatory, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing, and the School of Health Professions. Shenandoah has phased out tenure-track positions for new faculty members. Instead, new hires undergo a five-year probationary period, after which they may transition to renewable, three-year "career faculty contracts."
What is the Shenandoah University US News National Rankings 2025?
Shenandoah University ranks 315 according to the US News National Rankings 2025.
Shenandoah University Global Ranking
The University is still awaiting its official rankings from prominent organisations such as QS, Times Higher Education, and US News and World Report. Despite its growing reputation and contributions to academia, the university has not yet been featured in the rankings published by these influential bodies. But it has been ranked at #315 out of 436 National University by U.S. News in 2025.
Although the University continues to develop its academic programs and research initiatives, it remains unranked by these major international ranking institutions. The absence of a ranking from QS, Times Higher Education, and US News does not reflect the quality of education or research output but simply indicates that the university has not been formally assessed by these specific agencies.
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Frequently asked questions on Shenandoah University Ranking 2025
1: Where can one find the online application?
A: Shenandoah University Office of Graduate Admissions only accepts online applications. We no longer issue paper applications. All online applications can be found on our Graduate Student Admissions page after clicking on the appropriate school or program.
2: How does someone access the online application?
A: After clicking on the specific apply link for your program of interest, you will need to create an account to access the application form. On the right hand side of the log-in screen, you will be able to select “Create an account”, and insert your first and last name, email address, and birthdate. After submitting this information, you will receive a confirmation email to access your account and start your application.