Private not-for-profit

Small

Shaw University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate80.3%

Shaw’s high acceptance rate makes admission realistic, but the 52% freshman retention and 22% six-year graduation rates make fit and support the bigger questions to ask. Use the test-optional policy strategically: submit scores if they strengthen your academic record, and ask direct questions about advising, financial aid, and campus support.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Shaw University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Shaw University enrolls 877 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Shaw has a 52% freshman retention rate and a 22% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11.1:1.

Location

Raleigh, NC

Undergrad Enrollment877

Freshman Retention52%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio11.1:1

Graduation Rate22%

Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key Shaw University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to Shaw, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes and potential superscoring. Since Shaw does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, use its Regular Decision deadline to choose the latest fall retake whose scores will arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Shaw is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $17,738, with an average merit award of $8,993 and 88% of students receiving aid. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Tuition and Fees$17,738

Room and Board$9,210

Average Merit Award$8,993

Application Fee$25

Students on Aid88%

Average Aid Package$8,846

Average Debt at Grad$15,982

Shaw University’s listed cost for tuition, fees, room, and board is about $26,948. Most students receive some help paying for college, with 88% receiving aid and an average aid package of $8,846. Merit awards average about $8,993 for students who qualify. Graduates leave with an average debt of $15,982.