Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA

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Quick Facts

1871

Founded

Public university

Type

4,179

Total Students

6,942

Undergrad

1,311

Graduate

$77M

Endowment

(2025)

$14K

Tuition (In-State)

$16K

Tuition (Out-State)

$24K

Avg Net Price

86%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Graduation Rate

6-year

76%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

President: Charles E. Patterson

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg: A historic PA university pioneering public education since 1871.

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, established in 1871, stands as a cornerstone of public higher education in the Commonwealth. With a rich legacy rooted in teacher training, it has evolved into a comprehensive university celebrated for its commitment to student success and academic innovation. From its origins as a State Normal School, Shippensburg has consistently adapted to meet the educational needs of the region, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for learning.

The university's history is marked by significant firsts. It was the first normal school in Pennsylvania to achieve state teachers college status in 1926, and a pioneer in gaining accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in 1939 – the first teachers college in Pennsylvania and fourth in the nation to do so. This early recognition underscores its enduring dedication to academic excellence and rigorous standards, laying the groundwork for its eventual designation as a comprehensive university in 1983.

Today, Shippensburg University offers a wide array of programs, building upon its strong foundations in education and business administration. Prospective students can explore diverse academic pathways, including Bachelor of Science degrees in elementary and junior high education, business administration, and a robust arts and sciences curriculum, alongside a Master of Education degree. Its historic campus, with many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provides a vibrant backdrop for an engaging student experience, blending tradition with modern educational opportunities.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1871, beginning its legacy as the Cumberland Valley State Normal School.
✦First normal school in Pennsylvania to become a State Teachers College (1926).
✦First teachers college in Pennsylvania (and fourth in the U.S.) accredited by the Middle States Association (1939).
✦Designated Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in 1983, joining the State System of Higher Education.
✦Historic campus features many original buildings, including Old Main, listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1985.
✦Operates as a public university with an endowment of $0.1 billion.
✦Offers diverse academic pathways including Bachelor of Science in education, business administration, and a Master of Education.

Timeline

1871

Cornerstone laid for the Cumberland Valley State Normal School.

1917

School purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

1926

Authorized to grant the Bachelor of Science in education degree and became the first state teachers college in Pennsylvania.

1927

Name changed to the "State Teachers College at Shippensburg".

1939

Became the first teachers college in Pennsylvania and fourth in the U.S. to be accredited by the Middle States Association.

1959

Approved for graduate work leading to the Master of Education degree.

1962

Arts and sciences curriculum authorized by the State Council of Education.

1983

Designated "Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania" with the establishment of the State System of Higher Education.

1985

Many original historic buildings, including Old Main, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

🏛️

155 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Charles E. Patterson

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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