Oakwood University vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oakwood University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (1,226 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oakwood University is located in Huntsville, AL (Midsize City setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• Oakwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oakwood University 14:1; Shaw University 14:1.

Oakwood University vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakwood 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 Oakwood University ($16,445 vs. $26,730).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 1.9% lower than at Oakwood University ($9,210 vs. $9,384).
• Oakwood University is 28.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $4,974 more per year; $22,512.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.4% higher at Oakwood University than at Shaw University (about $4,974 more per year; $22,512.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oakwood University than at Shaw University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 7.9% larger than aid received by Oakwood University students ($14,417 vs. $13,356).

Oakwood University vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oakwood 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 Oakwood University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oakwood University - Test-free; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Oakwood University students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (2.99) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Oakwood University (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Oakwood University vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

Oakwood University vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakwood 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).

• Oakwood University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Oakwood University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakwood University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($31,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Oakwood University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($320 vs. $392).
• More Oakwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (27% 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.