Shaw University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (1,083 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Salem University 19:1.

Shaw University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or Salem 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 Salem University than Shaw University ($10,231 vs. $16,445).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 8.8% lower than at Shaw University ($8,400 vs. $9,210).
• Shaw University is 47.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $5,638 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.4% higher at Shaw University than at Salem University (about $5,638 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Shaw University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 68.2% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($14,417 vs. $8,569).

Shaw University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

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

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.

Shaw University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and Salem 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 Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $11,382 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($26,618 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($275 vs. $392).
• More Salem University 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.