Shaw University vs Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is very selective with a 21.6% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Shaw University (30.5%). Graduates of Wake Forest University earn $43,749 more per year at the 10-year mark ($78,158 vs $34,409). For families earning $48k–$75k, Wake Forest University is more affordable at $12,769 net price vs $16,310. Students at Wake Forest University graduate with less debt ($21,500 vs $32,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Wake Forest University has a higher yield rate (36.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Wake Forest University is more affordable at $11,554 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $24,706 vs $54,447.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Shaw University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (65%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Shaw University
- 1 Social Work$32,391
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations$29,866
- 3 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies$23,340
- 4 Criminal Justice and Corrections$21,703
- 5 Communication and Media Studies$20,140
Wake Forest University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services$80,510
- 2 Computer Science$71,015
- 3 Mathematics$70,456
- 4 Business/Commerce, General$66,653
- 5 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$63,005
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Shaw University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Communication and Media Studies
- 3 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 4 Criminal Justice and Corrections
- 5 Social Work
Wake Forest University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Business/Commerce, General
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Shaw University
- International students9%
- Tuition (international)$11,808
- Est. total cost/year$24,994
- School typePublic
Wake Forest University
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$56,722
- Est. total cost/year$73,280
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Shaw University or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University is more selective with a 21.6% acceptance rate, compared to 30.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Shaw University or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $78,158 compared to $34,409. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Shaw University or Wake Forest University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Wake Forest University has a lower net price at $12,769 per year vs $16,310. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Shaw University vs Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.9%, compared to 20.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Shaw University or Wake Forest University?
Shaw University has a larger international student population at 9% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Shaw University and Wake Forest University?
At Shaw University, Social Work graduates earn a median of $32,391 within two years. At Wake Forest University, the top-earning major is Finance and Financial Management Services at $80,510. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.