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Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA

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Quick Facts

Wikipedia
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 University: Pioneering PA teacher education, now a comprehensive public university.

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania stands as a public institution with a rich legacy, evolving significantly since its founding in 1871. Initially established with a focus on teacher training, it has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide array of academic programs designed to prepare students for diverse professional careers. Its historical journey reflects a steadfast commitment to public higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The university's history is marked by several pioneering achievements. It proudly holds the distinction of being the first normal school in Pennsylvania to transition into a state teachers college, granting Bachelor of Science in education degrees as early as 1926. This foundational strength in education was further solidified by becoming one of the nation's earliest teachers colleges to earn accreditation from the prestigious Middle States Association, a testament to its enduring academic quality and rigor.

Today, Shippensburg University offers robust academic strengths extending beyond its historical roots. Prospective students can explore diverse pathways, including Bachelor of Science in business administration, arts and sciences curricula, and graduate-level Master of Education programs. This breadth ensures a dynamic learning environment, preparing students for a variety of in-demand fields and fostering intellectual growth within a supportive public university setting.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1871 as the "Cumberland Valley State Normal School," now a comprehensive public university.
  • The first normal school in Pennsylvania to become a state teachers college (1926).
  • Among the nation's earliest accredited teachers colleges, achieving Middle States Association accreditation in 1939.
  • Offers diverse academic pathways, including Bachelor of Science degrees in education and business administration, and a Master of Education.
  • Many original historic campus buildings, including Old Main, are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Operates with an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its mission as a public institution.

Timeline

1871
Cornerstone laid for the "Cumberland Valley State Normal School"
1917
School purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
1926
Authorized to grant Bachelor of Science in education degree; became first normal school in PA to be a state teachers college
1927
Name changed to "State Teachers College at Shippensburg"
1939
Became the first teachers college in PA and fourth in the U.S. to be accredited by the Middle States Association
1959
Approved graduate work leading to the Master of Education degree
1960
Name changed to Shippensburg State College
1967
Bachelor of Science in business administration degree program initiated
1983
Designated "Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania"
1985
Many historic campus buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places
🏛️
155 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Charles E. Patterson
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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