Shaw University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Shaw University
Widely recognized as one of the earliest historically Black universities in the South, Shaw University sits in the heart of Raleigh with a close‑knit feel and a tradition of service. Students find a strong liberal arts core alongside career‑minded fields, taught by faculty known for mentoring and real‑world perspective. Modern classrooms, labs, studios, and a well‑used library are paired with tutoring, counseling, advising, and career support that feels practical, not perfunctory.
Campus life is lively and rooted in community. Student orgs, step shows, choir and band, and a spirited homecoming shape the year, while intramurals and fitness spaces keep things active. The culture leans welcoming, purposeful, and proud. Career prep is boosted by internships and connections across government, healthcare, education, and tech nearby. Raleigh's arts scene, food, and public life are right outside the gates. Distinctive traditions and a legacy of advocacy run deep here; civil rights organizer Ella Baker is among its notable alumni.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Shaw University offers 22 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 167 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Theology (3 programs, 39 graduates), Business (1 programs, 30 graduates), Kinesiology (2 programs, 25 graduates), Security & Safety (1 programs, 16 graduates) and Education (4 programs, 12 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Theology (3 programs, 39 graduates)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divinity and Ministry | 21 |
|
Master's
|
39.0602 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 15 |
|
Master's
|
39.0699 |
| Religious Education | 3 |
|
Master's
|
39.0401 |
Business (1 programs, 30 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 25 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0101 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 16 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
Education (4 programs, 12 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 6 |
|
Master's
|
13.1210 |
| Education, General | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.9999 |
| Elementary Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Kindergarten and Preschool Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1209 |
Psychology (1 programs, 9 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Communication (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
Computer & IT (3 programs, 7 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
| Computer Science | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.1003 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 7 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Social Sciences (2 programs, 7 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Shaw University.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Shaw University
How much does it cost to attend Shaw University?
The annual tuition at Shaw University is $17,272 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $30,952 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,940 (on) / $8,100 (off) and books and supplies $1,300.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Shaw University offer?
Shaw University offers 22 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership (3 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (2 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (1 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (4 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Shaw University?
Shaw University has an 30.5% acceptance rate and a 5.7% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 10,699
- Students admitted: 3,261
- Students enrolled: 186
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Shaw University?
Shaw University provides financial aid to 21% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $15,568 and average loans of $5,811.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,786
- State/Local grants: $5,871
- Institutional grants: $7,688
- Federal loans: $5,425
The university supports 188 students with grants and 101 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Shaw University graduates?
Shaw University graduates earn a median salary of $26,148 after 6 years and $34,409 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,004 (25th percentile) to $49,938 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $54,900 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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