Loras College vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

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

Loras College is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (1,189 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loras College is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• Loras College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loras College 12:1; Shaw University 14:1.

Loras College vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loras 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 Loras College ($16,445 vs. $21,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 16.3% lower than at Loras College ($9,210 vs. $11,000).
• Loras College is 127.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $22,286 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 127.1% higher at Loras College than at Shaw University (about $22,286 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Loras College than at Shaw University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Loras College students is 100% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($28,835 vs. $14,417).

Loras College vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loras College - Test-free; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Loras College students have a 0.88 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Loras College has a higher acceptance rate (99.9%) than Shaw University (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Loras College vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

Loras College vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loras 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).

• Loras College's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Loras College earn a median of about $20,200 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Loras College graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($27,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Loras College graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($279 vs. $392).
• More Loras College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.