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Guilford College vs Shaw University

Guilford College is a private college in Greensboro, NC, and Shaw University is a private university in Raleigh, NC. Both admit about 80% of applicants. Shaw University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,512 a year against $22,270 at Guilford College. About 47% of students graduate at Guilford College, compared with 21% at Shaw University. Ten years after enrolling, Guilford College alumni earn a median of about $47,590, against $34,409 for Shaw University.

Guilford College

Greensboro, NC · Private

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Greensboro, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,001
875
Acceptance rate
80%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1260
770–958
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,270
$16,512
Full cost / yr
$55,689
$30,861
In-state tuition
$41,362
$17,538
Out-of-state tuition
$41,362
$17,538
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,367
$16,236
$30k - $48k
$22,825
$16,276
$48k - $75k
$34,680
$21,145
$75k - $110k
$49,275
Not reported
Over $110k
$49,368
$24,966
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
21%
Freshman retention
65%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,401
$26,148
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,590
$34,409
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$32,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
66%
First-generation students
26%
40%
International students
2%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 10
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Guilford College or Shaw University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 80% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Guilford College or Shaw University?
Shaw University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,512 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,270 at Guilford College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Guilford College and Shaw University?
Before aid, Shaw University costs about $30,861 a year and Guilford College about $55,689. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Guilford College or Shaw University?
Shaw University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,236 there, against about $18,367 at Guilford College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Guilford College or Shaw University?
Guilford College is the larger of the two, with about 1,001 undergraduates against 875 at Shaw University.
Does Guilford College or Shaw University have a better graduation rate?
Guilford College has the higher graduation rate, at about 47% against 21% at Shaw University.
Do graduates of Guilford College or Shaw University earn more?
Guilford College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,590 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,409 for Shaw University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Guilford College and Shaw University require SAT or ACT scores?
Guilford College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shaw University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Guilford College and Shaw University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1260 at Guilford College and 770–958 at Shaw University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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