Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Winchester, VA & Miami Gardens, FL
When students choose between St. Thomas University and Shenandoah University, they're weighing two private institutions with similar missions but vastly different track records.
Both emphasize nursing and business programs in small-college settings. But the completion data reveals a critical difference: Shenandoah graduates 71% of students while St.
Thomas graduates just 43%. This 27 percentage point gap represents the single most important factor in the comparison.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$19,125
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$46,387
borrowed by parents
$13,272
borrowed by parents
St. Thomas University is predominantly business-focused, with 35% of graduates earning degrees in business fields.
The largest programs include Nursing (92 graduates annually) and Business Administration (57). Shenandoah University emphasizes health programs, with a more balanced mix: 15% Arts, 10% Business.
Shenandoah's largest programs include Nursing (109 graduates), Physiology/Pathology (41), and Business Administration (40). Both schools share strength in nursing, but Shenandoah offers broader program diversity including strong performing arts options.
For students prioritizing completion likelihood, Shenandoah University delivers a 71% graduation rate that significantly outpaces St. Thomas's 43%.
While St. Thomas costs $5,780 less per year, the completion risk fundamentally changes the value equation — lower costs don't matter if students don't graduate.
Shenandoah offers stronger institutional support, better retention, and higher earning potential for completers, making it the better choice for students who need structured support. St.
Thomas serves students seeking affordability and can succeed in a broad-access environment. The data points to completion rates as the decisive factor — choose Shenandoah if graduation is the priority, St.
Thomas if cost is the primary concern and you're confident in your ability to persist.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
