Shaw University
About Shaw University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Shaw University is a private university in Raleigh, NC. It has a 61% acceptance rate and a 13.8% graduation rate, serving approximately 918 students.
Founded
1865
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
Students
962
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
80.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
21.8%
Below national average
Tuition
$17,538
Per year
Avg Net Price
$16,512
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$34,409
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Shaw University accepts the majority of applicants at 80.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
21.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
51.7%
4-Year Grad
9%
6-Year Grad
16%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
57.3%
$/Student
$7.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 9% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$17,538
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,210
Books & Supplies
$1,300
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,861
After Financial Aid
$16,512
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,236
Receive Grants
66.4%
Take Loans
71.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $30,861/yr, including $9,210 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $16,512.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Shaw University fund their education.
While in School
66.4%
Get Grants
Free money
71.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$21,406
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$32,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$345/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Graduates leave with $32,500 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Shaw University.
Gender
51.4%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
875
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
87
Graduates
40.1%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
14.1%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 40.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 9% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
875
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Baccalaureate
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Shaw University fields 9 varsity teams with 323 student athletes, about 37% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Central
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
323
37% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
185
Men
138
Women
5
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Shaw Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$34,409
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$35K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$29K
21 grads
4yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$19K
20 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$26K
16 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$31K
16 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
—
14 grads
Median earnings are $34K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shaw University
What is the acceptance rate at Shaw University?▾
How much does Shaw University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Shaw University?▾
How much do Shaw University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.