A straight answer: 80.3% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 80 actually get in. No guessing. Shaw University is a 4YEAR institution located in Raleigh, NC — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Shaw University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Putting the Shaw University Acceptance Rate into Perspective
Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at Shaw University offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.
An acceptance rate of 80.3% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.
Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty
Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At Shaw University, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.
Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.
Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool
For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at Shaw University is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.
When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Shaw University
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Shaw University based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherShould Shaw University Be on Your College List?
By now, most students aren’t just researching out of curiosity — they’re trying to decide whether Shaw University belongs on their final application list. That decision rarely comes down to a single metric.
Admissions competitiveness varies depending on who you are as an applicant. Some students find that their academic record aligns well with what the university typically looks for, while others may face more competition based on program choice or preparation.
Making a Balanced Application Decision
Strong applicants think in terms of balance. They include schools where they feel confident, schools that push them slightly, and schools that represent ambition. Admissions data helps place Shaw University into one of those categories, but it doesn’t make the decision on its own.
What matters most is alignment — between your interests, academic background, and the opportunities the university offers. When that alignment exists, applying becomes a logical step rather than a risky gamble.
Should You Apply to Shaw University?
If 80.3% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Shaw University
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Shaw University Acceptance Rate
What is Shaw University's acceptance rate and admission requirements?
Shaw University has a moderately selective admission process, with varying acceptance rates. Applicants should prepare to submit academic records and entrance exams as part of their application package.
What are the most popular majors and academic strengths at Shaw University?
Shaw University is known for its strengths in business, communications, biology, criminal justice, and social work. These areas attract students interested in liberal arts and tailored career paths.
What is the graduation rate at Shaw University?
The graduation rate at Shaw University is relatively low, ranging from 20% to 24% for four-year college students. This statistic reflects the commitment required from students to complete their degrees.
Is Shaw University a historically Black college (HBCU)?
Yes, Shaw University is a historically Black college, primarily serving a predominantly Black student body. The institution plays a significant role in the educational landscape for African Americans.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio and average class size at Shaw University?
Shaw University maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio due to its small size, with intimate class settings that enhance the educational experience through personalized attention.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Shaw University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success