Winchester, Virginia, and the Greater Region
SU is a major contributor to its communities’ economic health. More than 1,200 students live on campus, while another 450 call Winchester-Frederick County home. TischlerBise assessed the university’s total economic benefit to the Winchester-Frederick County community alone at $157.3 million in 2023, with total annual student spending of $34.6 million. Combined with indirect effects, student spending contributes $50 million (2023) to the local economy. See the full report here.
Quality of Life
Beyond generating quantifiable dollars, Shenandoah University is far more than a campus—it is a powerful partner in the life and future of our community. The university supports more than 1,500 local jobs and generates, while attracting new talent, investment, performances, athletic events and fresh ideas to Winchester and Frederick County. Most importantly, Shenandoah develops the health professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, artists and leaders who will shape what comes next. When Shenandoah thrives, our entire region becomes more vibrant, more innovative and more prepared for the future—and that is something our whole community can be excited about.
Shenandoah educates and cares for its community. Alumni with more than 1,300 education degrees and credentials from Shenandoah call the northern half of Virginia home, as do recipients of more than 2,500 degrees and credentials in nursing, the health professions, and pharmacy.
The university is the second-largest employer in the city of Winchester. About 60% of Shenandoah’s workforce of approximately 1,000 faculty/staff live in Winchester-Frederick County, injecting millions of dollars into these economies, making them attractive places in which to work and live.
Performances
Shenandoah Conservatory performances and events (including Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre) filled approximately 55,000 seats in 2025-2026. Those visiting for these performances generate approximately $2 million per year (2023). The conservatory presents approximately 300 music, theatre, and dance performances annually. Shenandoah is building on this success with the new Dove Center for the Arts with a state-of-the-art performance hall and art exhibition spaces, which will serve as a regional creative hub. It is anticipated to open in 2028.
Clarke & Loudoun Counties
Shenandoah University’s connection to Clarke and Loudoun counties is significant, and unique in each location.
- Clarke County: Shenandoah manages the 195-acre River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield on the Shenandoah River. It serves as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory for history, environmental studies and leadership, while preserving an important Civil War site. Its trails and grounds are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, making it a recreational and educational community asset.
- Loudoun County: We have operated its Leesburg locations since 2001. Located beside Inova Loudoun Hospital, it prepares professionals through programs in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology and teacher licensure. Partnerships with Inova and other organizations provide hands-on training while strengthening Northern Virginia’s health-care workforce.
Clarke County, the university preserves history, protects natural resources and welcomes the public to explore the River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield. In Loudoun County, Shenandoah prepares the nurses, therapists, physician assistants, educators and other professionals our growing region needs. Together, these connections demonstrate that Shenandoah is not simply located in our community—it is actively investing in its health, heritage, workforce and future.