Overview
The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing is a constituent professional school of Shenandoah University, a private university founded in 1875 in Winchester, Virginia. Named after benefactor Eleanor Wade Custer, the school has built a strong regional reputation for producing well-prepared nurses through rigorous clinical training, simulation-based learning, and partnerships with regional healthcare systems such as Valley Health. It offers a range of programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels, including BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate options.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Winchester, Virginia |
| Founded | 1902 |
| Total students | 1,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Graduation rate | 85% |
| Average starting salary | $68,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $36,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $36,000 |
| Room & board | $12,500 |
| Average financial aid | $20,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1050-1230 |
| ACT range | 21-27 |
| Average GPA | 3.50 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- RN-to-BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.