North Carolina Central University vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 964 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Shaw University 14:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University than Shaw University ($14,475 vs. $16,445).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 31.5% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($9,210 vs. $13,450).
• Shaw University is 161.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $10,839 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Shaw University (about $2,197 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University than at North Carolina Central University (97% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 20.2% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($14,417 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or Shaw University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shaw University and North Carolina Central University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Shaw University (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

North Carolina Central University vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Shaw University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Carolina Central University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($31,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, North Carolina Central University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($320 vs. $392).
• More North Carolina Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (23% 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.