Your chances of getting into Shaw University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Shaw University is 61%. Its admission rate is the 16th lowest in North Carolina.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Shaw University and can you get accepted?
Shaw University is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 1,486 out of the 2,435 who applied were admitted.
Shaw University typically accepts and attracts "C+" average high school students with an average GPA around 2.6. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the lower half of their high school class. 13% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Shaw University?
61% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Shaw University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 2.6 or better
- Earn C+ grades in high school
Shaw University GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Shaw University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Shaw University are to have around a 2.6 high school GPA. You can get into Shaw University with below average high school grades.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Shaw University accepts 61% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Shaw University is 2.6 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn C+ letter grades and regularly score around 77-79 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #56 in North Carolina for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Shaw University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 2.6 GPA range.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Shaw University SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Shaw University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. .
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
Average SAT Score | N/A |
Shaw University ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
Average ACT Score | N/A |
High School Class Rank
82% of Shaw University freshman are in the lower half of their high school graduating class.
High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
---|---|
Top 10% of class | 5% |
Top 25% of class | 5% |
Top 50% of class | 18% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
Women | Men | Total | |
---|---|---|---|
Applied | 1,368 | 1,053 | 2,435 |
Accepted | 851 | 630 | 1,486 |
Acceptance Rate | 62% | 60% | 61% |
Enrolled | 76 | 124 | 200 |
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 9% | 20% | 13% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 218 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Jul 30, 2025.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Shaw University is $25.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Shaw University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
AP Credit | Yes |
Dual Credit | Yes |
Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Shaw University often consider these colleges
Johnson C Smith University
Private 4 Year
North Carolina Central University
Public 4 Year
Saint Augustines College
Private 4 Year
Saint Augustine College
Private 4 Year
Winston Salem State University
Public 4 Year
Chowan University
Private 4 Year
Claflin University
Private 4 Year
Benedict College
Private 4 Year
Livingstone College
Private 4 Year
North Carolina A & T State University
Public 4 Year
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199643 IPEDS survey data for Shaw University.
Last updated February 24, 2024