Shaw University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

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

Shaw University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (964 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Centra College 3:1.

Shaw University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or Centra College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 25.9% lower than at Centra College ($9,210 vs. $12,424).
• Shaw University is 35.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $4,555 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.1% higher at Shaw University than at Centra College (about $4,555 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University than at Centra College (97% vs. 0%).

Shaw University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shaw University or Centra College? 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 Centra College and Shaw University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Centra College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Shaw University (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 4.1% at Shaw University vs. 0% at Centra College.

Shaw University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and Centra College? 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 Centra College earn a median of about $15,800 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $25,958 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($12,042 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $268 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($124 vs. $392).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.