USW vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the Southwest is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (1,130 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Shaw University 14:1.

USW vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW 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 USW ($16,445 vs. $17,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 12.1% lower than at Shaw University ($8,100 vs. $9,210).
• Shaw University is 5.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $868 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at Shaw University than at University of the Southwest (about $868 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Southwest than at Shaw University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 38.1% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($14,417 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW 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 USW.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USW students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (2.63) than students at Shaw University (2.6).

USW vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW 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).

• Shaw University's six-year graduation rate (27%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($23,500 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($242 vs. $392).
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.