Allen College vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shaw University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (964 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Shaw University 14:1.

Allen College vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Shaw University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 4.5% lower than at Shaw University ($8,800 vs. $9,210).
• Allen College is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $1,978 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Allen College than at Shaw University (about $1,978 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University than at Allen College (97% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Shaw University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shaw University and Allen College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027; Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.

Allen College vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Shaw University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Allen College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $20,100 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $21,250 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($16,750 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $219 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($173 vs. $392).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 15%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.