
1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299, USA


Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that it meets rigorous standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation affirms that the university provides recognized programs of study and adheres to established practices that support student learning and success.
Additionally, several of the university's specific programs carry specialized accreditations. For example, its business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which signifies excellence in business education. The teacher education programs have approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, demonstrating compliance with state standards for preparing educators.
These accreditations are important indicators for prospective students assessing the university's commitment to maintaining high educational standards and ensuring that degrees earned will be recognized by employers and other institutions.
Admission to Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania requires applicants to have completed a secondary school program, with a General Educational Development (GED) accepted as an alternative. Prospective students must submit a secondary school record and demonstrate a required grade point average as well as their class rank. While specific admission test scores are not detailed, the university mandates a TOEFL score for applicants whose native language is not English. Additional testing is recommended but not required.
Applicants are also expected to have participated in a college preparatory program during high school. Although recommendations and detailed admission test scores are not available, the university suggests that applicants possess certain competencies, which are recommended but not compulsory for admission. The institution does not operate an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit options.
Credit transfer is permitted, including acceptance of Advanced Placement credits. The university does not require the use or lease of a computer for the application process.
Current admissions data indicate a relatively high acceptance rate of approximately 86%, which places the university in the top 30% for acceptance rates nationally. While the mean SAT score for enrolled students is 1075-considered low and positioned in the bottom 30% nationally-the acceptance and enrollment rates suggest that the university maintains an accessible admissions process overall.
The application fee at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is set at $40 for undergraduate applicants. This fee is required to process the admission materials and is generally non-refundable.
Prospective students who demonstrate financial hardship may be eligible to receive a waiver for this application fee. The university considers requests for fee waivers through the submission of appropriate documentation, such as eligibility for certain federal or state assistance programs. Additionally, fee waivers might be granted for participants in specific college fairs or outreach initiatives that the university endorses.
The procedure to request a fee waiver involves completing a designated form and submitting it to the admissions office prior to application submission. It is important for applicants to check the official admissions website or contact the university directly to ensure they meet all criteria and provide the necessary evidence to support their waiver request.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania offers an ROTC branch unit on campus, providing students with opportunities to engage in military training alongside their academic studies. This program allows prospective cadets to develop leadership skills and receive military education directly within the university setting.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania accepts transfer applications for all academic terms, including fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters. Prospective transfer students have the opportunity to earn credit through recognized assessment programs such as CLEP General and CLEP Subject exams, as well as DANTES exams. The university also accepts transfer credits from other colleges and universities, facilitating a smoother transition for applicants who have completed prior coursework.
Admission to the university is considered moderately difficult for transfer students, reflecting a balanced selectivity in its review process. Recommendations are welcomed as part of transfer applications, providing an additional dimension to the evaluation of candidates.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania offers diverse study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. The programs range from faculty-led short-term trips to semester-long exchanges, allowing students to tailor their international education according to their academic goals and personal interests.
The university organizes faculty-led programs that provide structured travel experiences, typically during summer or winter sessions, enabling students to immerse themselves in new environments while earning academic credit.
For students seeking an extended international experience, Shippensburg University participates in exchange programs with partner institutions worldwide. These programs offer the chance to study abroad for a semester or an entire academic year, often providing coursework in various disciplines recognized by Shippensburg University to count toward degree requirements.
Additionally, the institution supports internship opportunities abroad, blending practical work experience with cultural exposure. This option allows students to gain professional skills in a global context while broadening their understanding of international business practices and cultures.
Academic advising and pre-departure orientations are integral parts of the study abroad process, helping students prepare effectively for their time overseas and ensuring their academic plans align with the experience.
Median composite SAT score
1075Percent of students submitting SAT scores
37%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer