About Shaw University
Shaw University is one of the South's pioneering historically black colleges and universities, founded in 1865 during Reconstruction. This Baptist-affiliated institution educates 839 students in Raleigh, giving it an intimate feel within North Carolina's capital city. The university maintains its commitment to providing educational opportunities that were once denied, continuing the mission that began more than 150 years ago. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention that larger universities cannot match.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $14,083 after aid, making Shaw accessible for many families. However, graduates earn a median of $34,409 ten years after starting college, while carrying median debt of $32,500. The numbers suggest students should plan carefully for loan repayment, with monthly payments averaging $345. Only 17% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
Shaw's graduation rates present a significant challenge. Just 20% of students complete their degrees within six years, and only 56% return for their sophomore year. The Bears compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 13 varsity sports and 366 student-athletes. Students considering Shaw should be prepared to take ownership of their academic success in this supportive but demanding environment.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $14,083 after aid, making Shaw accessible for many families. However, graduates earn a median of $34,409 ten years after starting college, while carrying median debt of $32,500. The numbers suggest students should plan carefully for loan repayment, with monthly payments averaging $345. Only 17% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
Shaw's graduation rates present a significant challenge. Just 20% of students complete their degrees within six years, and only 56% return for their sophomore year. The Bears compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 13 varsity sports and 366 student-athletes. Students considering Shaw should be prepared to take ownership of their academic success in this supportive but demanding environment.
Academics & Faculty
Shaw University is one of the South's pioneering historically black universities, founded just after the Civil War in 1865. The small student body of 839 creates an intimate academic environment with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship. However, the 20% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic and financial challenges despite this personalized attention. Shaw maintains its Baptist roots while offering liberal arts education alongside professional programs. The university is particularly recognized for its teacher education and social work programs, which have historically served African American communities throughout North Carolina. Only 17% retention rate indicates many students struggle to persist through their first year.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 16.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 20.2%
- Retention Rate
- 56.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,409
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,391 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $31,305 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $29,866 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. | Bachelor | $23,340 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $21,703 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Campus Life
Shaw University sits in North Carolina's capital city, where students experience four distinct seasons requiring both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen. With housing for 773 students and total enrollment of 839, nearly all undergraduates can live on campus if they choose. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name.
Raleigh offers internships, cultural events, and entertainment just outside campus gates. Students often explore the city's food scene or catch concerts downtown. Weekend life centers around the tight-knit campus community of 839 students, where Bears athletics bring people together for NCAA Division II games. As one of the South's first historically black universities founded in 1865, Shaw maintains strong traditions that connect current students to generations of alumni. The 366 student-athletes across 13 varsity sports add energy to campus life. Students here experience the benefits of small-school community feel while living in a major metropolitan area with over one million residents.
Raleigh offers internships, cultural events, and entertainment just outside campus gates. Students often explore the city's food scene or catch concerts downtown. Weekend life centers around the tight-knit campus community of 839 students, where Bears athletics bring people together for NCAA Division II games. As one of the South's first historically black universities founded in 1865, Shaw maintains strong traditions that connect current students to generations of alumni. The 366 student-athletes across 13 varsity sports add energy to campus life. Students here experience the benefits of small-school community feel while living in a major metropolitan area with over one million residents.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 773 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–50°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -773.8"
Student Demographics
Shaw University draws primarily from North Carolina and surrounding states, with 58% of students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly Black at 63%, reflecting the university's HBCU mission and deep roots in the African American community. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, showing Shaw's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income families. The nearly even gender split mirrors the university's broad academic offerings across liberal arts and professional programs. This demographic mix creates a tight-knit community where students share similar backgrounds while pursuing diverse career paths in fields like business, education, and social work.
- Men
- 48.3%
- Women
- 51.7%
- White
- 2.7%
- Black
- 63.2%
- Hispanic
- 3.8%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 58.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 65.2%
Location
Shaw University sits in Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. The city serves over 460,000 residents and anchors the Research Triangle region. Students have access to a major metropolitan area with three major universities within 30 miles. Raleigh combines Southern charm with tech industry growth, offering internships at companies like Red Hat and Credit Suisse. The campus lies just minutes from downtown, where students can explore museums, restaurants, and live music venues. North Carolina's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities in nearby state parks. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Shaw University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,409
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,247
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 17.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $345/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $32,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Shaw University?
Shaw University accepts 61% of applicants. Founded in 1865 as one of the first HBCUs in the South, Shaw maintains a Baptist tradition while welcoming students from diverse backgrounds to its Raleigh campus.
How much does Shaw University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,083 annually. With 65% of students receiving financial aid and the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, Shaw makes education accessible to students from lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Shaw University?
Shaw University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 839 total students. This small class environment allows for personalized attention, though the university faces retention challenges with only 56% of students returning for their second year.
What are the graduation rates at Shaw University?
Shaw University has a 20% six-year graduation rate and 17% four-year graduation rate. These low completion rates reflect common challenges at smaller HBCUs, though graduates who finish earn a median salary of $34,409 ten years after graduation.
Where is Shaw University located and what is campus life like?
Shaw University sits in Raleigh, North Carolina's large urban setting with housing for 773 students. The Bears compete in NCAA Division II with 13 varsity sports, and the university awards over $2.5 million in athletic scholarships annually.
What makes Shaw University historically significant?
Shaw University was founded in 1865, making it one of the first historically black colleges established in the South. Today, 63% of students are Black, and the university continues its Baptist heritage while serving as an important HBCU in North Carolina's capital city.
