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Shaw University

Raleigh, NC·Private·www.shawu.edu/

Campus Identity

HBCUNCAA D2Graduate Programs

Shaw University is a small private nonprofit university in Raleigh, NC. Approximately 875 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 80% acceptance rate. Brinkley Lake is about 11 miles from campus. Shaw University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). CollegeCove's campus safety score is 44/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Shaw University is a small private nonprofit university in Raleigh, NC. Approximately 875 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 80% acceptance rate. Brinkley Lake is about 11 miles from campus. Shaw University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). CollegeCove's campus safety score is 44/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

80%
Acceptance Rate
7,390 applications
Test Optional
Test Policy
No test scores required
$17,538
2024-25 Tuition
$16,512
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$9,210
Room & Board
19 meals/week
875
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
4%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
22%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity80% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.

Campus Lifestyle

Shaw University is a under 1,000, urban school with NCAA D2 athletics. The campus is 113 miles from Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre.

Athletics

NCAA D2

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

School Size & Setting

Under 1,000

Urban setting

Weather

Warm Climate

56°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

Shaw University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, 113 miles away. All are within 167 miles of campus.

149 mi away
129 skiable acres5 lifts
The Omni Homestead Resort

Virginia

167 mi away
42 skiable acres2 lifts

Nearby Lake

Brinkley Lake is 11 miles from campus, giving Shaw University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Brinkley Lake

Lake access within 11.2 miles

11 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Raleigh, NC

Raleigh has a mild climate, with winters averaging 43°F in Jan and summers peaking around 80°F in Jul.

43°Jan46°Feb53°Mar62°Apr69°May76°Jun80°Jul78°Aug73°Sep63°Oct52°Nov46°Dec

Station: RALEIGH 4 SW · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Shaw University in NC earns a composite safety score of 44/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.

44/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety493941
49/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
39/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
41/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$17,538
Fees
$4,672
Room & Board
$9,210
Total
$31,420
App Fee: $25
Meal Plan: 19 meals/week
$16,512avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

32 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Business Administration, Management and OperationsBachelor's
40 grads/yr$47,401
Theological and Ministerial StudiesMaster's
31 grads/yr
Communication and Media StudiesBachelor's
21 grads/yr$28,545
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessBachelor's
20 grads/yr$44,010
Criminal Justice and CorrectionsBachelor's
16 grads/yr$43,299

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Business Administration, Management and Operations
Bachelor's40 grads$47,401
Social Work
Bachelor's16 grads$46,981
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Bachelor's20 grads$44,010
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Bachelor's16 grads$43,299
Communication and Media Studies
Bachelor's21 grads$28,545
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Master's31 grads
Psychology, General
Bachelor's14 grads
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
Bachelor's10 grads
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Bachelor's9 grads
Sociology
Bachelor's8 grads

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Shaw University located?

Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC. The main campus address is 118 East South Street, Raleigh, NC. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Shaw University?

Shaw University has an acceptance rate of 80%, making it accessible. Out of 7,390 applicants, 5,924 were admitted in the most recent year. 875 students enrolled.

How much does it cost to attend Shaw University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Shaw University charges $17,538/year in tuition. Including room and board ($9,210/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $16,480/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $16,512/year — what students actually pay. Use Shaw University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Shaw University?

The undergraduate application fee at Shaw University is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Does Shaw University have college sports?

Yes — Shaw University competes at the NCAA D2 level in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.

Is Shaw University an HBCU?

Yes, Shaw University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). HBCUs were established primarily to serve Black Americans and have a rich history of academic excellence, cultural significance, and community impact. Shaw University remains an important institution for higher education and Black culture.

Is Shaw University the right fit for me?

Whether Shaw University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (80% admit rate), avg net price ($16,512/year after aid), campus culture in Raleigh, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Shaw University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Shaw University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

Apply NowVisit Official Website

Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Raleigh, NC
Size
Under 1,000
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's
HBCU
Yes
NCAA
NCAA D2
Conference
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
School Year Weather
Warm · 56°F avg
App Fee
$25
On Campus Safety Score
44/100
Nearest Airport
Raleigh/Durham, NC (RDU) · 11 mialso RWI (42 mi), POB (47 mi)

Location

Raleigh, NC

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.