Radford University vs Shenandoah University: which has better ROI?
Radford University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $58,312 in 10.8 years versus 12 years at Shenandoah University, on median earnings of $53,739 vs $58,433 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Radford University | Shenandoah University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,578 | $30,298 |
| Total net cost | $58,312 | $121,192 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,739 | $58,433 |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 10.8 yrs | 12 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $49,268 | $80,268 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Radford University or Shenandoah University?
Radford University, at $14,578 a year after aid versus $30,298 — a gap of $15,720 a year, or $62,880 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Radford University or Shenandoah University graduates earn more?
Shenandoah University graduates report a median $58,433 ten years after entry, $4,694 more than the $53,739 at Radford University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Radford University or Shenandoah University?
Radford University: its completers carry a median $24,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Shenandoah University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at Shenandoah University, against 49% at Radford University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.