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


Shippensburg University provides a wide range of athletic opportunities for students interested in competitive sports. The university competes in NCAA Division II and is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), allowing student-athletes to engage in a variety of team and individual sports at a high level of competition.
The university offers varsity programs in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, volleyball, softball, and track and field for both men and women. These programs are supported by dedicated coaching staff and facilities designed to foster athletic development while balancing academic commitments.
Beyond varsity competition, Shippensburg encourages student involvement in intramural and club sports, promoting fitness and recreation across the campus community. This inclusive approach provides opportunities for students of varying skill levels to participate in activities that enhance campus life and personal well-being.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania offers a variety of student groups that cater to diverse interests and promote community engagement. Among these are the Activities Program Board, which organizes campus-wide events, and the Red Raider Marching Band, a key component of the university's musical life. Students with a focus on veteran affairs can join the Student Veterans of America, providing support and resources for military-affiliated students. Those interested in environmental and animal welfare causes might engage with the Animal Alliance. Additionally, the Concert Band and Woodwind Ensemble offer opportunities for musicians to perform and collaborate.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania hosts a predominantly in-state student body, with approximately 90% of its students coming from Pennsylvania, placing it in the top 20% nationwide for in-state enrollment. The university has a very small proportion of out-of-state students, around 9%, which is considered low compared to other institutions. The vast majority of students are from within the United States, accounting for 99%, while international student representation is minimal.
The university enrolls a balanced mix of new freshmen and transfer students, with about 1,096 freshmen and 200 transfer students admitted, indicating an average level of new student intake overall. The total student enrollment involved in these categories stands at approximately 1,296, reflecting a moderately sized influx of new students each academic year.
Age demographics at Shippensburg University show a strong representation of younger students, particularly those aged 18 to 21 years old, which is typical for an undergraduate population. There are 1,872 students aged 18-19 and 1,540 students aged 20-21. Beyond this, there is a noticeable presence of older students, especially at the graduate level, with 260 graduate students aged 22-24 and substantial numbers continuing into older age brackets up to 64 years, suggesting opportunities for adult and continuing education.
Regarding ethnic diversity, the university's population is mainly composed of White students, numbering 3,070, which falls in the higher half of institutions nationwide. Other racial and ethnic groups are represented at average levels: African American students number 501, Hispanic students approximately 295, and Asian students around 66. Smaller groups include Native American, Pacific Islander, and multi-racial students, each present in minimal but established numbers. This ethnic composition reflects a moderate level of diversity.
Student life at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania offers a variety of cultural and extracurricular opportunities. The campus hosts numerous artistic outlets including a student newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, band, chorus, and a television channel, providing diverse platforms for student involvement and creativity.
Support services are well established to assist students' well-being, with access to health clinics, psychological counseling, a veterans affairs office, and a women's center. These resources contribute to a supportive campus environment focused on both physical and mental health.
With a student-faculty ratio of 18, the university maintains a learning atmosphere where students can engage more readily with faculty, enhancing academic interaction and support. The total enrollment of around 5,140 students represents an average-sized student body, offering a community that is neither too large nor too small.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania offers access to two libraries, including the main Ezra Lehman Memorial Library. The availability of libraries ranks around the median compared to other institutions, placing the university just within the top half nationally for the number of libraries provided.
Students can utilize a physical library space equipped with established hours and staffed by trained personnel, ensuring support for research and study needs. Although the university does not provide study rooms or all-day access to library facilities, it does grant access to shared collections, enhancing the breadth of available materials.
Library resources contain approximately 238,158 physical books, which is lower compared to many other institutions, falling in the bottom 45% nationwide. Similarly, the collection of 11 print subscriptions is modest and ranks in the lower 40% percentile. However, digital resources are notably strong, with over 500,000 digital subscriptions placing Shippensburg University in the upper 25% of its peers for digital access.
The library also holds around 589,483 ebooks and over 100 databases, with both figures positioned near the middle when compared nationally. Weekly service hours total 97, offering ample time for students to access library services during the academic week.
Total enrollment
5140Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1091Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
612 full time, 99 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Ezra Lehman Memorial LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes