Christian college
Shaw University
Raleigh, NC · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Baptist
Real cost
Average price after aid $16,512 a year
Median debt at graduation: $32,500 (all students)
Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator
Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, describes its Christian heritage and encourages students to grow spiritually while respecting diverse faith traditions. The Thomas J. Boyd Chapel lists weekday hours and offers prayer and spiritual guidance by appointment, and four Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment Seminars each semester, one of them a Religious Emphasis Program, are a graduation requirement.
Faith life at a glance
In the college’s own words
Source: shawu.edu“The mission of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel is to create an environment where a student’s religious commitment can be enhanced and authenticated.”
Source: shawu.edu“Shaw University’s Christian heritage is an important part of our identity and mission.”
Academic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.22%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.52%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.14 to 1
- Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$7,287
Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.
Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))
Faith scorecard
Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.
Partly researched
We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.
- Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each year: One or two (One religious emphasis program, named among the required CASES events.)
- Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian mission: Yes (The Thomas J. Boyd Chapel has a stated mission for all students' religious life; it is treated as the spiritual life office.)
- Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer): Now and then (The chapel page says it is available by appointment for prayer and spiritual guidance.)
- A chapel or worship space on campus: Yes (The chapel page lists Thomas J. Boyd Chapel hours.)
Worship and chapel
Not enough information · 2 of 7 found
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Chapel services during the weekNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (The chapel page says it is available by appointment for prayer and spiritual guidance.)
Sources (1)
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Thomas J. Boyd Chapel Hours Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Also available by appointments for prayer and spiritual guidance”
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A chapel or worship space on campusYes (The chapel page lists Thomas J. Boyd Chapel hours.)
Sources (1)
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Thomas J. Boyd Chapel Hours Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Also available by appointments for prayer and spiritual guidance”
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
Bible and theology
Not enough information · 0 of 6 found
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Bible, theology or ministry major offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Christian community
Not enough information · 2 of 7 found
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (One religious emphasis program, named among the required CASES events.)
Sources (1)
- Cultural & Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES) | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/student-life/health-wellness/cultural-spiritual-enrichment-seminars-cases · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES) are a graduation requirement for all students. There will be four (4) CASES events each semester.”
“Case Events Martin Luther King Jr Celebration Black History Month Symposium Religious Emphasis Program University Awards Day”
- Cultural & Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES) | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/student-life/health-wellness/cultural-spiritual-enrichment-seminars-cases · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Thomas J. Boyd Chapel has a stated mission for all students' religious life; it is treated as the spiritual life office.)
Sources (1)
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The mission of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel is to create an environment where a student’s religious commitment can be enhanced and authenticated.”
“The Thomas J. Boyd Chapel exposes students to Christian doctrine while delving into the meaning of the Holy Scripture.”
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Missions and service
Not enough information · 0 of 6 found
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Strengths
- The Thomas J. Boyd Chapel has a stated mission to support students' religious commitment and lists weekday hours.
Sources (1)
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Thomas J. Boyd Chapel Hours Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Also available by appointments for prayer and spiritual guidance”
“The mission of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel is to create an environment where a student’s religious commitment can be enhanced and authenticated.”
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- The university describes its Christian heritage and encourages students to grow spiritually while respecting other faith traditions.
Sources (1)
- Get Involved | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/student-life/get-involved · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Shaw University’s Christian heritage is an important part of our identity and mission. Students are encouraged to grow spiritually while respecting the diverse faith traditions represented within our campus community.”
- Get Involved | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/student-life/get-involved · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- A Religious Emphasis Program is one of the CASES events that students must attend to graduate.
Sources (1)
- Cultural & Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES) | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/student-life/health-wellness/cultural-spiritual-enrichment-seminars-cases · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES) are a graduation requirement for all students. There will be four (4) CASES events each semester.”
“Case Events Martin Luther King Jr Celebration Black History Month Symposium Religious Emphasis Program University Awards Day”
- Cultural & Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES) | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/student-life/health-wellness/cultural-spiritual-enrichment-seminars-cases · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Concerns
None recorded.
Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.
Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.
Campus ministry home
Thomas J. Boyd Chapel
- Address: 118 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Location: On campus
- Facilities: chapel (Thomas J. Boyd Chapel)
Source: shawu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, shawu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026
Campus ministry
Sources (1)
- Thomas J. Boyd Chapel | Shaw Universityshawu.edu/academics/thomas-j-boyd-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Thomas J. Boyd Chapel Hours Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Also available by appointments for prayer and spiritual guidance”
“The mission of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel is to create an environment where a student’s religious commitment can be enhanced and authenticated.”
Christian clubs and student life
1 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 1 location not published
Faith formation 1
- Cultural & Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES)Four events each semesterCampus seminars required for graduation, including a Religious Emphasis Program.
Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.
| Family income | Price after aid |
|---|---|
| Up to $30,000 | |
| $30,001–$48,000 | |
| $48,001–$75,000 | |
| Over $110,000 |
Full cost of attendance before aid: $30,861 a year.
Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.
Cost and value
Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.
| Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS) | 843 |
|---|---|
| Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023 | Men 49% · Women 51% |
| First-generation students College Scorecard | 40% |
| Total students | 962 |
| Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid | $16,512 |
| Cost of attendance (per year) | $30,861 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $32,500 |
| Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time | 22% |
| Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years | 22% |
| Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years | 22% |
| Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years | 17% |
| First-year retention | 52% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $34,409 |
| Admission rate | 80% |
| Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24 | $25 |
| Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026 | About $1,596 a month for a one-bedroom |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 66% |
Value index: 29 / 100 (how it’s computed)
Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.
Earnings by major
Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).
| Major | Median earnings |
|---|---|
| Business administration | |
| Social work | |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | |
| Criminal justice | |
| Communication studies |
Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Allied health, Biology, Chemistry, Computer science, Computing and information science, General studies, International relations, Liberal arts, Mathematics, Music, Other education, Other philosophy and religious studies, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, Political science, Psychology, Public administration, Rehabilitation and therapy, Secondary education, Sociology, Speech-language pathology, Teacher education.
What students study most
Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).
| Field | Share of degrees |
|---|---|
| Business | |
| Parks, recreation and fitness | |
| Criminal justice and security | |
| Psychology | |
| Communication |
Campus facts
| School colors | |
|---|---|
| Setting | City |
| Part-time undergraduates | 6% |
| Undergraduates aged 25 and older | 14% |
| On-campus room and board (per year) | $9,210 |
| Sports | NCAA Division II · Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association |
| ROTC | Army · Air Force |
| Study abroad | Offered |
| Students per faculty member | 14 to 1 |
| Faculty who are full-time | 57%College Scorecard, fall 2023 |
| Endowment per student | $15,895IPEDS, 2023, per student |
| Dorm space | For about 92% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus |
| Nearest airport with airline service | Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)About 11 miles away · about 25 minutes by car |
| Town population | 481,031Census, 2020–2024 |
| Nearest city of 250,000 people or more | RaleighAbout 4 miles away · about 15 minutes by car |
| Typical weather | 42°F in January · 80°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Raleigh State University, NC, about 4 miles away |
Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.
Campus safety reports
On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.
| Category | This campus | U.S. rate |
|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2.07 | 0.07 |
| Robbery | 7.26 | 0.01 |
| Aggravated assault | 8.30 | 0.04 |
| Burglary | 5.19 | 0.08 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 7.26 | 0.15 |
Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.
Christian churches nearby
No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.
Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.
Questions families ask
- Is Shaw University a Christian college?
- Yes. Shaw University is a Christian college.
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About this school’s data
- IPEDS unit ID 199643
- Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
- Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Baptist
- Report an error or a newer source
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