Academic Comparison between Appalachian State and Shaw

Appalachian State University and Shaw University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Appalachian State is a four-year, public school located in Boone, NC and Shaw is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Raleigh, NC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Appalachian State is a public and Shaw is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Appalachian State has more expensive tuition & fees ($25,212) than Shaw ($17,738).
  • It is harder to admit to Shaw than Appalachian State.
  • Appalachian State has more students with 21,570 students while Shaw has 964 students.
  • Shaw has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while Appalachian State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Appalachian State has more full-time faculties with 1,092 faculties while Shaw has 57 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Appalachian State Universityvs.Shaw University
Boone, North CarolinaLocationRaleigh, North Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$7,579
Out-Of-State$25,212
2025 Tuition & Fees$17,738
44%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$8,899Average Amount of Financial Aid$15,006
90.14 %Acceptance Rates80.16 %
18.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)4.10 %
1,200SAT Score-
25ACT Score-
75 %Graduation Rate22 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate-
84 %Retention Rate52 %
21,570Student Population964
1,092Number of Faculties57
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services