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North Carolina Wesleyan University vs Shaw University

North Carolina Wesleyan University is a private university in Rocky Mount, 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 $17,432 at North Carolina Wesleyan University. About 41% of students graduate at North Carolina Wesleyan University, compared with 21% at Shaw University. Ten years after enrolling, North Carolina Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $45,873, against $34,409 for Shaw University.

North Carolina Wesleyan University

Rocky Mount, NC · Private

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Rocky Mount, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,214
875
Acceptance rate
80%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.27–3.77
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
860–1120
770–958
ACT (middle 50%)
15–21
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,432
$16,512
Full cost / yr
$49,974
$30,861
In-state tuition
$35,736
$17,538
Out-of-state tuition
$35,736
$17,538
Application fee
Not reported
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,114
$16,236
$30k - $48k
$14,020
$16,276
$48k - $75k
$16,017
$21,145
$75k - $110k
$20,403
Not reported
Over $110k
$22,379
$24,966
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
21%
Freshman retention
59%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,939
$26,148
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,873
$34,409
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$32,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
50%
66%
First-generation students
47%
40%
International students
14%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
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 North Carolina Wesleyan University 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, North Carolina Wesleyan University or Shaw University?
Shaw University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,512 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,432 at North Carolina Wesleyan 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 North Carolina Wesleyan University and Shaw University?
Before aid, Shaw University costs about $30,861 a year and North Carolina Wesleyan University about $49,974. 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, North Carolina Wesleyan University or Shaw University?
North Carolina Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,114 there, against about $16,236 at Shaw University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, North Carolina Wesleyan University or Shaw University?
North Carolina Wesleyan University is the larger of the two, with about 1,214 undergraduates against 875 at Shaw University.
Does North Carolina Wesleyan University or Shaw University have a better graduation rate?
North Carolina Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 41% against 21% at Shaw University.
Do graduates of North Carolina Wesleyan University or Shaw University earn more?
North Carolina Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,873 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,409 for Shaw University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do North Carolina Wesleyan University and Shaw University require SAT or ACT scores?
North Carolina Wesleyan 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 North Carolina Wesleyan University and Shaw University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 860–1120 at North Carolina Wesleyan University and 770–958 at Shaw University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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