Shaw University vs Western Carolina University
Shaw University is a private university in Raleigh, NC. Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, NC. Shaw University admits about 80% of applicants and Western Carolina University about 82%, making Shaw University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,315 a year at Western Carolina University after aid, and about $16,512 at Shaw University. About 60% of students graduate at Western Carolina University, compared with 21% at Shaw University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Carolina University alumni earn a median of about $49,458, against $34,409 for Shaw University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Raleigh, NC
Cullowhee, NC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
875
10,024
Acceptance rate
80%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
770–958
1080–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,512
$13,315
Full cost / yr
$30,861
$19,992
In-state tuition
$17,538
$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
$17,538
$8,630
Application fee
$25
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,236
$8,816
$30k - $48k
$16,276
$10,012
$48k - $75k
$21,145
$12,605
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$17,060
Over $110k
$24,966
$17,992
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
60%
Freshman retention
52%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,148
$43,085
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,409
$49,458
Median debt at graduation
$32,500
$21,868
Student body
Pell grant recipients
66%
35%
First-generation students
40%
33%
International students
9%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 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 Western Carolina University harder to get into?
- Shaw University is harder to get into. It admits about 80% of applicants, compared with 82% at Western Carolina 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 Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,315 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,512 at Shaw 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 Western Carolina University?
- Before aid, Western Carolina University costs about $19,992 a year and Shaw University about $30,861. 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 Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,816 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, Shaw University or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is the larger of the two, with about 10,024 undergraduates against 875 at Shaw University.
- Does Shaw University or Western Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Carolina University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 21% at Shaw University.
- Do graduates of Shaw University or Western Carolina University earn more?
- Western Carolina University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,458 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,409 for Shaw University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Shaw University and Western Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Shaw University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Shaw University and Western Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 770–958 at Shaw University and 1080–1270 at Western Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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