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Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH·Public·2,300 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus and in-state Ohio residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,300 students.

N/A
Accept
2,300
Students
$15,389
Net Price
43%
Grad Rate
$37,500
Earnings
10 yr
$12,885
Debt

About This School

Shawnee State University is a public institution located in Portsmouth, Ohio with approximately 2,300 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $15,389 per year. The graduation rate is 43%, and the typical graduate earns $37,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

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).

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $15,389/year after aid and just $12,885 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable public university options in Ohio, which matters. However, a 43% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish — and median earnings of $37,500 a decade out suggest limited financial upside for many graduates. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, have a clear program in mind, and have a solid plan to stay on track, but go in with eyes open about the completion and earnings data.

Founded
1986
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Health Professions41%
Business & Marketing10%
Education7%
Biological Sciences6%
Computer Science4%
Social Sciences3%
Visual & Performing Arts3%
Psychology2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,622
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,157
Avg Net Price
$15,389
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$12,885

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
43%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
71%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,885
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,885
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$28,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White50%
Black4%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,300 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Shawnee State University

940 Second Street

Portsmouth, OH 45662

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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