Shaw University vs Carolina University
Shaw University is a private university in Raleigh, NC, and Carolina University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. Carolina University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 80% at Shaw University. Shaw University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,512 a year against $20,828 at Carolina University. About 24% of students graduate at Carolina University, compared with 21% at Shaw University. Ten years after enrolling, Shaw University alumni earn a median of about $34,409, against $32,864 for Carolina University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
875
460
Acceptance rate
80%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
770–958
840–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,512
$20,828
Full cost / yr
$30,861
$32,680
In-state tuition
$17,538
$17,575
Out-of-state tuition
$17,538
$17,575
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,236
$17,738
$30k - $48k
$16,276
$17,560
$48k - $75k
$21,145
$22,993
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$23,597
Over $110k
$24,966
$24,152
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
24%
Freshman retention
52%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,148
$30,657
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,409
$32,864
Median debt at graduation
$32,500
$20,287
Student body
Pell grant recipients
66%
37%
First-generation students
40%
33%
International students
9%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jul 1
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.
- Is Shaw University or Carolina University harder to get into?
- Carolina University is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 80% at Shaw 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, Shaw University or Carolina University?
- Shaw University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,512 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,828 at Carolina 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 Shaw University and Carolina University?
- Before aid, Shaw University costs about $30,861 a year and Carolina University about $32,680. 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, Shaw University or Carolina University?
- Shaw University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,236 there, against about $17,738 at Carolina University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Shaw University or Carolina University?
- Shaw University is the larger of the two, with about 875 undergraduates against 460 at Carolina University.
- Does Shaw University or Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Carolina University has the higher graduation rate, at about 24% against 21% at Shaw University.
- Do graduates of Shaw University or Carolina University earn more?
- Shaw University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $34,409 ten years after enrolling, against about $32,864 for Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Shaw University and Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Shaw University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Shaw University and Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 770–958 at Shaw University and 840–1060 at Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Shaw University vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsShaw University vs Saint Augustine's UniversityShaw University vs Brevard CollegeCarolina University vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsCarolina University vs Saint Augustine's UniversityCarolina University vs Brevard College
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