Shaw University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield State University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Shaw University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University than Shaw University ($15,814 vs. $16,445).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 20% lower than at Bluefield State University ($9,210 vs. $11,512).
• Shaw University is 64.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $6,890 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at Bluefield State University than at Shaw University (about $838 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University as at Bluefield State University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 46.9% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($14,417 vs. $9,814).

Shaw University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.81 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Shaw University (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 4.1% at Shaw University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Shaw University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and Bluefield State 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).

• Shaw University's six-year graduation rate (27%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluefield State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,800 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $19,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($19,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $196 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($196 vs. $392).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (30% 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.