Shaw University

School Overview

Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC, 27601. The university is ranked #84 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Shaw University has an acceptance rate of 80%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds.

With just 877 undergraduates, Shaw University provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 65% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 10%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Shaw University include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (23% of students, median early-career salary: $44,619), Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology (19% of students, median early-career salary: $31,390), and Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services (12% of students, median early-career salary: $41,000). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

However, the average net price after financial aid is $15,017, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Shaw University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Shaw University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Shaw University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.