WWU vs. Shaw University

Comparable Facts

Compare William Woods University in Fulton, MO with Shaw University in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Woods University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (2,046 students vs. 964 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Woods University is located in Fulton, MO (Distant Town setting); Shaw University is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• William Woods University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Woods University 16:1; Shaw University 14:1.

WWU vs. Shaw University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WWU 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 WWU ($16,445 vs. $27,092).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 29.4% lower than at William Woods University ($9,210 vs. $13,050).
• William Woods University is 73% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $12,802 more per year; $30,340.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73% higher at WWU than at Shaw University (about $12,802 more per year; $30,340.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Woods University than at Shaw University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Woods University students is 54% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($22,204 vs. $14,417).

WWU vs. Shaw University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WWU or Shaw University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shaw University and WWU.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WWU - Test optional; Shaw University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WWU Dec 1, 2026; Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman WWU students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Shaw University has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than WWU (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.6% at WWU vs. 4.1% at Shaw University.

WWU vs. Shaw University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WWU and Shaw University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• William Woods University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from William Woods 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, William Woods University graduates have a $16,563 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($21,437 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, WWU graduates have an estimated $171 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($221 vs. $392).
• More WWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.