Lesley University vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lesley University in Cambridge, MA with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lesley University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lesley University is located in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• Lesley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lesley University 10:1; Shaw University 14:1.

Lesley University vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lesley University or Shaw University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Shaw University than Lesley University ($16,445 vs. $32,587).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 53.8% lower than at Lesley University ($9,210 vs. $19,920).
• Lesley University is 95.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $16,718 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95.3% higher at Lesley University than at Shaw University (about $16,718 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lesley University than at Shaw University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lesley University students is 32.9% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($19,167 vs. $14,417).

Lesley University vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lesley University or Shaw University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shaw University and Lesley University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lesley University - Test-free; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lesley University students have a 0.71 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Lesley University has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than Shaw University (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Lesley University vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

Lesley University vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lesley University and Shaw University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lesley University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Lesley University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,600 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lesley University graduates have a $13,680 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($24,320 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Lesley University graduates have an estimated $141 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($251 vs. $392).
• More Lesley University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 15%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.