Hampshire College vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hampshire College in Amherst, MA with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shaw University is larger than Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (964 students vs. 844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hampshire College is located in Amherst, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• Hampshire College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hampshire College 13:1; Shaw University 14:1.

Hampshire College vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire College 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 Hampshire College ($16,445 vs. $27,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 42.3% lower than at Hampshire College ($9,210 vs. $15,958).
• Hampshire College is 235.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $41,358 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 235.8% higher at Hampshire College than at Shaw University (about $41,358 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hampshire College than at Shaw University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hampshire College students is 220.1% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($46,145 vs. $14,417).

Hampshire College vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hampshire 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 Hampshire College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hampshire College - Test-free; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hampshire College Jan 15, 2027; Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Hampshire College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at Hampshire College vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

Hampshire College vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hampshire 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).

• Hampshire College's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Hampshire College earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have a $14,469 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($23,531 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have an estimated $149 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($243 vs. $392).
• More Hampshire College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.