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Shawnee State University

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH · Town · 2,247 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$14,381
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
45%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
50% typical
$39,596
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$48,772 typical
Open admission
Acceptance rate
77% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Located along the Ohio River in Portsmouth, Shawnee State University is best known for its nationally ranked game design and digital simulation programs, alongside strong career-focused offerings in plastics engineering technology, nursing, and allied health. The campus fosters a close-knit, supportive environment where students benefit from small class sizes, accessible faculty mentorship, competitive NAIA athletics, and a prominent collegiate esports culture. SSU sets itself apart through its dedicated mission of open access and regional affordability, providing cutting-edge technical and creative pathways to a student body largely comprised of first-generation and Appalachian learners.

Wikipedia:Shawnee State University (SSU) is a public university in Portsmouth, Ohio, United States, established in 1986. It is the southernmost member of the University System of Ohio, and is a member of the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE).

Location
Portsmouth, OH, 45662 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
CMH · Columbus
88 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$10,626$17,358
Housing & food (on campus)$12,502$12,502
Books & supplies$1,024$1,024
Cost of attendance$28,422$35,336
Average net price$14,381Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$17,358
In-state: $10,626
Housing & food (on campus)$12,502
Books & supplies$1,024
Cost of attendance$35,336
In-state: $28,422
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $14,381
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.shawnee.edu
How it’s made up · out-of-state, 2025-26
Shawnee State University’s own figures for 2025-2026, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$17,808
Housing$12,832
Books & supplies$1,024
Personal expenses$1,680
Transportation$1,908
Total published by the school$35,336
See how the in-state total ($28,422) is made up
How it’s made up · in-state, 2025-26
Shawnee State University’s own figures for 2025-2026, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$10,894
Housing$12,832
Books & supplies$1,024
Personal expenses$1,680
Transportation$1,908
Total published by the school$28,422
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$12,310
$30–48k
$11,956
$48–75k
$14,326
$75–110k
$16,787
$110k+
$18,754
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
45%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
37%
Back for yr 2
72%
Transferred
23%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
38% graduated · 29% transferred · 1% still enrolled · 32% left or unknown
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$35,080
10 yrs after entry$39,596
Debt
Median at graduation$23,000
Monthly payment$244
Middle 50% owe$5.5k–$24.5k
90th percentile$36,500
Admissions

No admissions data available for this college.

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Essay prompts

If Shawnee State University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 42%Women 58%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
12 : 1
Pell grant
39%
First-gen
43%
Family income
$34,861
Independent
19%
Veterans
1%
Age at entry
21.0
Part-time
14%
Race & ethnicity
White
71%
Black
4%
Asian
1%
Two or more
2%
Non-resident
3%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
19%
Varsity sports
NAIA Division I · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Bowling
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Co-ed
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$35,080
After 10 yrs
$39,596
Health and Medical Administrative Services54
Biology, General31
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing24
Graphic Communications20
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods19
Marketing18
Computer Programming17
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians17
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities16
Special Education and Teaching15
Fine and Studio Arts15
Psychology, General13
Business Administration, Management and Operations13
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness12
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions12
English Language and Literature, General11
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$24M
Full-time faculty
43%
Faculty salary
$7,368/mo
Teaching spend
$6,719
per student
Federal loans
39%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (small programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

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