Shaw University
Shaw University is a private nonprofit university in Raleigh, NC ranked #1639 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 839 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 30.5%. Students most often pursue Social Work and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 56.0% first-year retention, and 20.2% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $14,083, about $2,915 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -53.6%, roughly 138.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $26,148. That's about $17,540 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Shaw University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Shaw University graduates 20.2% of students within six years and keeps 56.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Shaw University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $17,176 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,940 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,440 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $29,659 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 65.1% of Shaw University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,125 to $24,706 depending on family income. Use Shaw University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,059/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,706/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $26,148
- 10-Year Median Earnings $26,148
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 17.0%
- Employment Rate 82.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Shaw University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Shaw University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Shaw University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Shaw University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Shaw University graduates earn $26,148 median, the -53.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 839
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 56.0%
- Graduation Rate 20.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Shaw University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Shaw University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 30.5%, Shaw University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Shaw University accepts 30.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Shaw University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Social Work, and Health and Physical Education/Fitness draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.0%
- Social Work 11.6%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 9.3%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 8.1%
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies 7.0%
See more majors
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 6.4%
- Psychology, General 5.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Social Work $48,588
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $44,619
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $41,000
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Communication and Media Studies $34,207
- 5. Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies $31,390
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $18,987
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $44,627
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Social Work grads earn $48,588—156% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($18,987). Graduate: Theological and Ministerial Studies programs lead with $44,627 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Shaw University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (20 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Social Work
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication and Media Studies
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Psychology, General
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Administration
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- Education, Other
- Mathematics
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religious Education
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 839
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 48.3%
- Female Students 51.7%
- Caucasian 2.7%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 3.8%
- Black 63.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 65.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Shaw University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Shaw University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Shaw University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Shaw University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Shaw University has a diverse student body, with 2.7% identifying as White. 65.1% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Shaw University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Shaw University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Shaw University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -53.6% ROI. Ranked #1639 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $14,083 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $26,148 median earnings. With 20.2% graduating within six years and 56.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Shaw University's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1639 ranking, Shaw University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $14,083 annually, Shaw University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 56.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $9,858 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -53.6% ROI and $26,148 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $4,083+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Shaw University ranks #1639 of 6272 institutions, with 1212 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 20.2% six-year graduation rate sits 42.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 56.0% first-year retention is 20.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -53.6% return on investment is 138.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $26,148 run about 40% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $14,083 is roughly $3,035 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 56.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.8% employment rate within three years sits 14.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Shaw University—a private nonprofit university in Raleigh, NC—at C+ overall. It is currently ranked #1639 nationally Category results include Completion (C-), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (C), and Affordability (A).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 56.0% retention and 20.2% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -53.6% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,083 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $29,659.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $15,576 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 65.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $26,148 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 40% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 82.8% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -53.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
30.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Shaw University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other North Carolina campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Raleigh, NC 27601
- Website www.shawu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$13.2M