Bowie State University vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowie State University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Shaw University 14:1.

Bowie State University vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Shaw University than Bowie State University ($16,445 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 24.8% lower than at Bowie State University ($9,210 vs. $12,241).
• Shaw University is 90.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $8,320 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.7% higher at Bowie State University than at Shaw University (about $2,400 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University than at Bowie State University (97% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 111.4% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($14,417 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University 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 Bowie State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027; Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bowie State University students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.12) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

Bowie State University vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University 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).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $21,500 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $13,609 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($24,391 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($252 vs. $392).
• More Bowie State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (29% 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.