Shaw University vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

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

Shaw University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (964 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Shaw University vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or Bluefield 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 Bluefield University ($16,445 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 2.8% lower than at Bluefield University ($9,210 vs. $9,480).
• Bluefield University is 52.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $9,232 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.6% higher at Bluefield University than at Shaw University (about $9,232 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University than at Bluefield University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 41.1% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($20,341 vs. $14,417).

Shaw University vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield University students have a 0.71 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 4.1% at Shaw University vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Shaw University vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and Bluefield 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).

• Bluefield University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $17,166 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($20,834 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $177 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($215 vs. $392).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.