Shaw University vs. Allen University

Comparable Facts

Compare Shaw University in Raleigh, NC with Allen University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shaw University is larger than Allen University based on total student enrollment (964 students vs. 610 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Allen University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Allen University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Allen University 12:1.

Shaw University vs. Allen University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or Allen 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 Allen University than Shaw University ($11,182 vs. $16,445).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen University are 6.8% lower than at Shaw University ($8,584 vs. $9,210).
• Shaw University is 22.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allen University (about $3,234 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $14,304.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.6% higher at Shaw University than at Allen University (about $3,234 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $14,304.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University as at Allen University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 11.5% larger than aid received by Allen University students ($14,417 vs. $12,927).

Shaw University vs. Allen University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shaw University or Allen 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 Allen University and Shaw University.

• Allen University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Allen University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027; Allen University Jul 1, 2027.
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Allen University (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 4.1% at Shaw University vs. 6.1% at Allen University.

Shaw University vs. Allen University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and Allen 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).

• Graduates from Shaw University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Allen University graduates about ten years after starting college ($29,000 vs. $24,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen University graduates have a $881 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($37,119 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Allen University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($383 vs. $392).
• More Shaw University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Allen University students, three years after graduation. (15% vs. 13%)

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.