Shaw University's published cost of attendance is $30,861. Need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $16,236, middle-income families pay around $21,145, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,966.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $30,861 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,538 |
| Room and Board | $9,210 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,349 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,512 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $16,236 |
| $30–48k | $16,276 |
| $48–75k | $21,145 |
| $75–110k | No data |
| $110k+ | $24,966 |
Shaw University's published cost of attendance is $30,861. Need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $16,236, middle-income families pay around $21,145, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,966. Azimuth ranks Shaw University #792 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Shaw University participates in federal need-based aid programs including Pell Grants and Direct Loans, alongside institutional aid. Families apply using the FAFSA to determine eligibility and aid packages. The difference between published cost and net price reflects the institution's commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need through grants and scholarships, though the extent of that aid varies by income level and individual circumstances. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $32,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $17,479; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $44,468, median federal debt of $32,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $367 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $44,468, placing Shaw University in the 2.6 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Shaw University sits in the 44.8 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Shaw University #1338 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 9.6 percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. These figures represent lifetime returns relative to NC's no-degree-equivalent earnings baseline of $30,928 (the state median earnings of working adults age 25–34 with only a high school credential). The earnings pattern reflects Shaw University's concentration in business and professional fields. Business Administration is the largest program with 28 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $47,401, representing 0.7x the national benchmark for the field. Criminal Justice follows with 20 graduates earning $43,299, and Social Work contributes 18 graduates earning $46,981. The institution's dominant program family of Business anchors the overall earnings profile, with graduates moving into stable professional roles in accounting, management, and related fields that support sustained income growth over the career span.
