Shaw University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Shaw University in Raleigh, NC with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (1,077 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

Shaw University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than Shaw University ($9,541 vs. $16,445).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 26.8% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($9,210 vs. $12,580).
• Shaw University is 232.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $12,258 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.9% higher at Shaw University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $4,338 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shaw University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (97% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 109.2% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($14,417 vs. $6,890).

Shaw University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shaw University or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and Shaw University.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Potomac State College of West Virginia University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.06) than students at Shaw University (2.6).

Shaw University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $13,999 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($24,001 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $144 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($248 vs. $392).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.