Union Commonwealth University vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union Commonwealth University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (1,324 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Shaw University 14:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth University or Shaw 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 Shaw University than Union Commonwealth University ($16,445 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 10.3% lower than at Shaw University ($8,261 vs. $9,210).
• Union Commonwealth University is 76.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $13,408 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.5% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Shaw University (about $13,408 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Shaw University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 87% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($26,961 vs. $14,417).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth University and Shaw 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).

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Union Commonwealth University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $14,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($24,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $144 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($248 vs. $392).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.