Shaw University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Shaw University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or NSU? 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 Norfolk State University than Shaw University ($9,124 vs. $16,445).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 20.5% lower than at Norfolk State University ($9,210 vs. $11,591).
• Shaw University is 72.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $7,358 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.6% higher at NSU than at Shaw University (about $4,144 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University than at Norfolk State University (97% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 4.4% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($15,056 vs. $14,417).

Shaw University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (2.9) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Shaw University (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 4.1% at Shaw University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Shaw University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and NSU? 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).

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($31,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($320 vs. $392).
• More NSU 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.