At $14,083/yr net price, Shaw University graduates earn $34,409/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $409/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,083 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,332 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,409/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$409/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 137.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $32,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,125/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,508/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,310/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,059/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,706/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $29,836 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $31,305 | $82,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $29,866 | $28,672 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. | Bachelor | $23,340 | $35,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $21,703 | $37,484 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $40,500 |
The Risk Factor
20.2% of students at Shaw University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Shaw University delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median earnings of $34,409 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $32,500, you face a challenging debt-to-income ratio that limits your financial flexibility after college.
The graduation rate of 20% represents a major financial risk. Four out of five students who enroll never finish their degree, meaning they carry debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. The 56% retention rate signals that many students recognize early that Shaw may not be the right fit.
Among Shaw's programs, Social Work offers the best financial outcome at $32,391 annually with reasonable debt of $29,836. Business Administration graduates earn $29,866 with similar debt levels. However, Criminal Justice majors face particularly poor returns, earning just $21,703 while carrying $37,484 in debt. Theological Studies presents an extreme case with $82,000 in debt for $31,305 in earnings.
Shaw works financially only for students with substantial family support or those committed to low-paying service careers where loan forgiveness programs apply. Social work and ministry graduates may qualify for public service loan forgiveness, which could make the debt manageable over time.
If you need a college degree to advance in your current job or have guaranteed employment after graduation, Shaw's low net price of $14,083 makes it affordable. Otherwise, the combination of high dropout rates, modest earnings, and significant debt makes this a risky investment. Community college followed by transfer to a four-year school would likely deliver better financial outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shaw University worth the cost?
Shaw University's ROI is poor, with graduates earning $34,409 ten years after enrollment while carrying $32,500 in median debt. The 20% graduation rate means most students don't complete their degree, making the financial risk high.
What programs at Shaw University have the best job prospects?
Social Work offers the highest earnings at Shaw University with graduates making $32,391 annually. Business Administration and Theological Studies follow, but all top programs pay below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do Shaw University graduates typically have?
Shaw University graduates carry a median debt of $32,500, which is problematic given the low earnings of $34,409 ten years post-graduation. This creates a difficult debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.
Does Shaw University provide good financial aid?
Shaw University's net price of $14,083 per year is relatively affordable compared to many private colleges. However, the low graduation rate and poor earnings outcomes make even this reduced cost a risky investment for most students.