Established in 2007, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences is a for-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Shahroud (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Semnan. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences (SHMU) is a very small coeducational Iranian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Islamic religion. Shahroud University of Medical Sciences (SHMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. This 15 years old Iranian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. SHMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.