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Lenoir-Rhyne University vs Shaw University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private university in Hickory, NC, and Shaw University is a private university in Raleigh, NC. Shaw University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 80% of applicants against 85% at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Shaw University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,512 a year against $20,689 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. About 49% of students graduate at Lenoir-Rhyne University, compared with 21% at Shaw University. Ten years after enrolling, Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni earn a median of about $45,543, against $34,409 for Shaw University.

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Hickory, NC · Private

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Hickory, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,359
875
Acceptance rate
85%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1170
770–958
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,689
$16,512
Full cost / yr
$44,621
$30,861
In-state tuition
$31,900
$17,538
Out-of-state tuition
$31,900
$17,538
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,669
$16,236
$30k - $48k
$18,768
$16,276
$48k - $75k
$17,209
$21,145
$75k - $110k
$21,878
Not reported
Over $110k
$25,866
$24,966
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
21%
Freshman retention
76%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,799
$26,148
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,543
$34,409
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$32,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
66%
First-generation students
32%
40%
International students
7%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 13
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Lenoir-Rhyne University or Shaw University harder to get into?
Shaw University is harder to get into. It admits about 80% of applicants, compared with 85% at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Lenoir-Rhyne University or Shaw University?
Shaw University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,512 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,689 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and Shaw University?
Before aid, Shaw University costs about $30,861 a year and Lenoir-Rhyne University about $44,621. 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, Lenoir-Rhyne University or Shaw University?
Shaw University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,236 there, against about $18,669 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lenoir-Rhyne University or Shaw University?
Lenoir-Rhyne University is the larger of the two, with about 1,359 undergraduates against 875 at Shaw University.
Does Lenoir-Rhyne University or Shaw University have a better graduation rate?
Lenoir-Rhyne University has the higher graduation rate, at about 49% against 21% at Shaw University.
Do graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne University or Shaw University earn more?
Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,409 for Shaw University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lenoir-Rhyne University and Shaw University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and Shaw University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1170 at Lenoir-Rhyne University and 770–958 at Shaw University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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