Education Note: Shaw University
University Overview
Shaw University, founded in 1865 in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a private historically black university with significant challenges. Federal data shows an 18% graduation rate and concerning student outcomes. The institution enrolls approximately 1,600 students (1,500 undergraduates) but struggles with retention and academic support. Campus infrastructure needs significant updating, with student complaints about basic facilities and resources. Department of Education data indicates the university spends $4,612 per student on instruction annually, well below peer institutions.
Student Outcomes
Shaw University's performance metrics reveal systemic challenges across key indicators. The 18% graduation rate is among the lowest for four-year institutions nationally. Students graduate with average debt of $28,044, while median earnings six years after enrollment are only $29,200. The student loan default rate is 19.8%, nearly triple the national average. First-year retention rate stands at 48%, indicating more than half of students do not return after their first year.
Weaknesses
Analysis shows critical deficiencies in Shaw's educational model. The student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 exceeds recommended levels for at-risk student populations. Financial stability remains precarious, with heavy dependence on federal aid and limited endowment resources. Academic support services are understaffed compared to peer institutions. Student surveys indicate widespread dissatisfaction with campus facilities, particularly regarding maintenance and technology infrastructure.
Student Voice
Recent surveys from 2023-24 reveal significant student concerns. Only 35% of surveyed students would recommend Shaw University to others. Students consistently cite issues with dormitory conditions, including problems with heating/cooling systems and basic maintenance. One student noted, "The professors care but the facilities need serious work." Another stated, "Basic services like Wi-Fi and classroom technology are unreliable." Campus safety and security also emerged as common concerns.
Bottom Line
With an 18% graduation rate, high loan default rates, and poor post-graduation earnings ($29,200 median), Shaw University ranks among the lowest-performing institutions in America. While the university serves an important historical role as the oldest private HBCU in the South, its current outcomes raise serious concerns about its ability to provide quality education and career preparation. The combination of aging infrastructure, limited resources, and poor student outcomes suggests prospective students should carefully evaluate other options that may provide better educational and career opportunities.