Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Raleigh, North Carolina
30.5% Acceptance Rate
Shaw University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
30.5%Acceptance Rate
2.6Avg GPA
$29,659Annual Cost
$34,409Grad Salary
65.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
30.5%
Avg GPA
2.6
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
65.2% receive Pell
Shaw University, established in 1865 in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the first historically black university in the South. Renowned for its divinity school and social justice legacy.
The 30-acre urban campus includes the historic Estey Hall, the Talbert O. Shaw Learning Center, and the James E. Cheek Library. The university's 'Whole Person Education' model emphasizes leadership and service.
Shaw University Acceptance Rate
Shaw University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Shaw University is 30.5%. This means that 31 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 30.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.60 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.40 – 2.59
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.15
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Shaw University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Shaw University is 2.6. Admission is less selective based on GPA.
Most admitted students have a mix of B's and C's. A strong SAT or ACT score will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 2.80-3.00 for this same academic profile.Check Your Admission Chances at Shaw University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Shaw University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Shaw University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Shaw University Without SAT or ACT?
Shaw University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Shaw University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Shaw University, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
Shaw University Profile
Full Name
Shaw University
City
Raleigh
State
North Carolina
ZIP Code
27601
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Shaw University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Shaw University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Shaw University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Shaw University is $53,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.4%.
How much does a degree from Shaw University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Shaw University is $29,659. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Shaw University is much less than this.
65.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 58.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Shaw University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Shaw University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Shaw University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Shaw University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $34,409. An average Shaw University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Shaw University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Shaw University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Shaw University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $34,409 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29,659 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
65.2% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of Shaw University is 30.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 2.6. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.3, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.3, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.2 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.6, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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