Private nonprofit Institution

Shaw University — Raleigh, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $17,176

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 30.5%

Selective

Enrollment 839

Active Students

Avg. Salary $34,409

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Raleigh, North Carolina

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Shaw University stands as a pillar of higher education in Raleigh, providing a robust academic foundation for 839 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Shaw University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Shaw University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

22.8%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation

16.3%

Enrollment Share

Communications

11.4%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

8.7%

Enrollment Share

Public Admin

8.7%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

8.2%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Shaw University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Shaw University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Public Admin College

The Public Admin program at Shaw University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Shaw University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Shaw University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 30.5%

Difficulty Moderate

Shaw University maintains an acceptance rate of 30.5%, reflecting its status as a selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 48.3%

Women Enrollment 51.7%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Shaw University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for Shaw University.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Shaw University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $17,176

Out-of-State Tuition $17,176

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 65.2%

Median Student Debt $32,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $17,176, graduates see a median starting salary of $34,409, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can Shaw University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $34,409

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 20.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,083

Median Salary (6yr) $26,148

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Shaw University in Raleigh?

839 Students

Gender Comparison

48.3% Men

51.7% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

56%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

0.6%

Black

63.2%

White

2.7%

Unknown

13.7%

Hispanic

3.8%

Two or More Races

International

10.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 21

🎓

First-Generation 40.1%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 90.3%

💍

Married Students 2.2%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 14.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$53,196
Average Family Income	$28,163
Median Family Income	$21,406

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51.7%

48.3%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Raleigh Campus Environment

Located at 118 East South Street, Shaw University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Shaw University compare?

Direct Comparison Shaw University vs Meredith College →

Direct Comparison Shaw University vs Mitchells Academy →

Direct Comparison Shaw University vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh →

Direct Comparison Shaw University vs William Peace University →

Common Questions about Shaw University

Is Shaw University a good college in Raleigh, North Carolina?

Shaw University is a recognized institution in Raleigh with an enrollment of 839 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in North Carolina.

Is Shaw University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $34,409 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Shaw University cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Shaw University is approximately $17,176. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $17,176. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Shaw University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Shaw University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 90.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Shaw University good for Business & Marketing and Parks & Recreation programs?

Shaw University reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Parks & Recreation. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Shaw University?

Graduates of Shaw University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $34,409, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Shaw University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Shaw University's official admissions website.

Does Shaw University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Shaw University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Shaw University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Shaw University earn a median salary of $34,409 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Shaw University a good investment compared to other NC colleges?

Compare Shaw University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in North Carolina to judge value for your goals.

Where is Shaw University located and what is the campus like?

Shaw University is located at 118 East South Street in Raleigh, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 839 learners.

Who typically attends Shaw University in Raleigh, NC?

The student body at Shaw University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 40.1% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Shaw University with other leading institutions in North Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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