Shaw University vs Winston-Salem State University
Shaw University is a private university in Raleigh, NC, and Winston-Salem State University is a public university in Winston-Salem, NC. Winston-Salem State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 80% at Shaw University. Winston-Salem State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,479 a year against $16,512 at Shaw University. About 48% of students graduate at Winston-Salem State University, compared with 21% at Shaw University. Ten years after enrolling, Winston-Salem State University alumni earn a median of about $45,344, against $34,409 for Shaw University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
875
4,170
Acceptance rate
80%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
770–958
830–1020
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
15–20
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,512
$13,479
Full cost / yr
$30,861
$23,147
In-state tuition
$17,538
$6,126
Out-of-state tuition
$17,538
$16,782
Application fee
$25
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,236
$11,463
$30k - $48k
$16,276
$12,412
$48k - $75k
$21,145
$14,681
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$18,813
Over $110k
$24,966
$21,405
Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
48%
Freshman retention
52%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,148
$40,557
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,409
$45,344
Median debt at graduation
$32,500
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
66%
65%
First-generation students
40%
35%
International students
9%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jun 28
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 Winston-Salem State University harder to get into?
- Winston-Salem State University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Winston-Salem State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,479 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Before aid, Winston-Salem State University costs about $23,147 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Winston-Salem State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,463 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Winston-Salem State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,170 undergraduates against 875 at Shaw University.
- Does Shaw University or Winston-Salem State University have a better graduation rate?
- Winston-Salem State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 48% against 21% at Shaw University.
- Do graduates of Shaw University or Winston-Salem State University earn more?
- Winston-Salem State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,344 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,409 for Shaw University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Shaw University and Winston-Salem State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Shaw University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Winston-Salem State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Shaw University and Winston-Salem State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 770–958 at Shaw University and 830–1020 at Winston-Salem State 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 Carolina UniversityWinston-Salem State University vs Davidson CollegeWinston-Salem State University vs Johnson C Smith UniversityWinston-Salem State University vs Queens University of Charlotte
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school