Western Carolina University and Shaw University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Western Carolina is a four-year, public school located in Cullowhee, NC and Shaw is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Raleigh, NC.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Western Carolina University | vs. | Shaw University |
|---|---|---|
| Cullowhee, North Carolina | Location | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Master's degree |
| Doctoral / Research University | Carnegie Classification | Baccalaureate College - Diverse Fields |
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $17,738 |
| 65% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 92% |
| $6,267 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $15,006 |
| 81.83 % | Acceptance Rates | 80.16 % |
| 12.70 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 4.10 % |
| 1,180 | SAT Score | - |
| 23 | ACT Score | - |
| 60 % | Graduation Rate | 22 % |
| 27 % | Transfer-out Rate | - |
| 79 % | Retention Rate | 52 % |
| 11,686 | Student Population | 964 |
| 549 | Number of Faculties | 57 |
| 16 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 14 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services |