Shaw University vs. Sterling College

Comparable Facts

Compare Shaw University in Raleigh, NC with Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, VT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shaw University is larger than Sterling College based on total student enrollment (964 students vs. 57 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Sterling College is in Craftsbury Common, VT (Remote Rural setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Sterling College 7:1.

Shaw University vs. Sterling College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or Sterling College? 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 Shaw University than Sterling College ($16,445 vs. $21,854).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 15.9% lower than at Sterling College ($9,210 vs. $10,950).
• Sterling College is 132.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $23,222 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.4% higher at Sterling College than at Shaw University (about $23,222 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Shaw University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 125.8% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($32,556 vs. $14,417).

Shaw University vs. Sterling College Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Sterling College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Sterling College students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Sterling College (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 4.1% at Shaw University vs. 10.9% at Sterling College.

Shaw University vs. Sterling College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and Sterling 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).

• Sterling College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sterling College graduates have a $20,965 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($17,035 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Sterling College graduates have an estimated $216 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($176 vs. $392).
• More Sterling College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.