
Shaw University is a private historically black university in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded on 1 December 1865. It is the oldest HBCU to begin offering courses in the Southern United States. The university has a rich history, with its early students meeting in sharecroppers' cabins and crafting bricks to build their classrooms. The school moved to its current location in 1870 and was officially chartered with the State of North Carolina as Shaw University in 1875. The main campus spans 24 acres, with three libraries housing over 210,000 volumes and 10,000 ebooks. In terms of student population, Shaw University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 843 students in the fall of 2023, with a significant 36% increase in new student enrollment for Fall 2024, welcoming 400 new students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Institution | Private historically black university |
| Year founded | 1865 |
| Undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2023) | 843 |
| Campus size | 30 acres |
| Annual cost of room and board (2023) | $8,307 |
| Annual cost of books and supplies (2023) | $1,300 |
| Percentage of undergraduate students receiving financial aid through grants or loans (2023) | 89% |
| Number of new students (Fall 2024) | 400 |
| Percentage increase in new student enrollment (Fall 2024) | 36% |
| Number of libraries | 3 |
| Number of dorms | 4 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

In Fall 2023, Shaw University had 843 undergraduate students enrolled
Shaw University, a private historically black university in Raleigh, North Carolina, had 843 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2023. Founded in 1865, it is the oldest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Southern United States. Shaw University's main campus sits on 24 acres in the East Raleigh-South Park Historic District in downtown Raleigh, with a campus size of 30 acres.
The university has a rich history, with its early students meeting in sharecroppers' cabins and crafting bricks to build their classrooms. It was the first university in the country to open a law school for African Americans in 1888, graduating 57 law students before it closed in 1916. The university has three libraries, housing over 210,000 volumes, 10,000 ebooks, and many other sources of scholarly and cultural literature. The campus has four dorms, and other resources available on or adjacent to the campus include a McDonald's, The Willie E. Gary Student Center, and a Cyber Cafe.
Shaw University offers a range of degree programs, with the most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations in 2023 being General Business Administration & Management (with 40 degrees awarded), Mass Communication & Media Studies (21 degrees), and Kinesiology & Exercise Science (20 degrees). The university also has a strong focus on community and tradition, with annual events such as Homecoming, Founder's Day, and an Annual MLK Celebration. In addition, Shaw University provides students with career development opportunities, such as access to career fairs and mentorship programs, particularly in the growing field of technology.
The university has seen a recent increase in student enrollment, with a 36% surge in new student enrollment from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024, marking a significant step forward in the institution's strategic efforts to expand access to education and foster academic excellence.
Liberty University: A Thriving Student Population
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The university's campus size is 30 acres
Shaw University is a private, historically black university in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1865, it was the first HBCU in the Southern United States and has been a beacon of opportunity for over 150 years. The university's campus size is 30 acres, with its main campus residing on 24 acres in the East Raleigh-South Park Historic District in downtown Raleigh.
The campus is home to several notable buildings and resources, including three libraries—the James E. Cheek Library, the TOS Education Library, and the G. Franklin Wiggins Library, which collectively house over 210,000 volumes and 10,000 ebooks. The Raleigh Business and Technology Center is also located on campus, offering classes and community programs in collaboration with Saint Augustine's College. The campus has four dorms: the Flemming-Kee Men's Dorm, the Dimple Newsome Dorm, the Talbert O. Shaw Men's Dorm, and the Talbert O. Shaw Women's Dorm. Other amenities include the Willie E. Gary Student Center, which features a game room, grill, and a cyber cafe, as well as a McDonald's located adjacent to the campus.
The university's campus is a hub of student activity and community events. Homecoming, for example, is a highly anticipated tradition that unites the entire Shaw community. The annual MLK Celebration honours Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, leadership, and legacy. The Athletic Banquet recognises outstanding athletes, and Senior Reception celebrates graduating seniors and their achievements. These events foster a sense of community and honour the university's rich history.
Shaw University's campus has also witnessed significant milestones in American history. In April 1960, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) emerged from a student meeting organised by Ella Baker, becoming a driving force in the American Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, the university opened the first law school for African Americans in the country in 1888, offering a curriculum encompassing international and constitutional law, common law, equity, and admiralty.
Today, Shaw University continues to thrive and evolve. With a recent record-breaking 36% increase in new student enrollment for Fall 2024, the university is committed to expanding access to education and fostering academic excellence. The campus is also undergoing a transformation, with a project to rezone 27 acres, aiming to preserve historic buildings, create new facilities, and drive business development in Downtown Raleigh. This expansion reflects the university's dedication to providing its students with the best resources and opportunities, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavours.
Hofstra University's Current Student Population
You may want to see also
Explore related products

400 new students joined in Fall 2024, a 36% increase
Shaw University, a private historically black university in Raleigh, North Carolina, has seen a significant increase in student enrollment for Fall 2024, with 400 new students joining, marking a 36% increase in new student enrollment from Fall 2023. This surge in enrollment is a testament to the university's strategic efforts to expand access to education and foster academic excellence.
Shaw University has a long and illustrious history dating back to its founding in 1865, making it the oldest HBCU in the Southern United States. The university holds a strong commitment to providing an enriching educational experience and empowering future leaders. This is evident through their collaboration with the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, opening up opportunities in the growing field of technology. The university's Center for Cybersecurity Education and Research, for instance, offers a concentration in Cyber Operations, training students in technical skills as well as cyber policy, law, and ethics.
The university's dedication to student success is further demonstrated by the array of resources available on campus. With three libraries housing over 210,000 volumes and 10,000 ebooks, students have extensive access to scholarly resources. Additionally, the Raleigh Business and Technology Center, located on campus, provides a space for both classes and community programs. The campus also boasts four dorms, the Willie E. Gary Student Center, and a Cyber Cafe, ensuring a well-rounded and comfortable student experience.
The Fall 2024 enrollment figures build upon Shaw University's rich history and signify a bright future. With a focus on academic excellence and a commitment to expanding access to education, the university continues to be a beacon of opportunity, attracting students seeking a holistic educational experience. This record-breaking enrollment growth is a testament to the university's resilience and the appeal of its academic programs, setting the stage for further success in the years to come.
Dominican University's Student Population: How Many Attend?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

89% of undergrads received financial aid in 2023
Shaw University, a private historically black university in Raleigh, North Carolina, has a long history of providing educational opportunities to its students. Founded in 1865, the university has been a beacon of opportunity for over 150 years. Shaw University's commitment to fostering academic excellence and expanding access to education is evident from its record-breaking enrolment growth for the Fall 2024 freshman class. This surge in enrolment, with a 36% increase in new students, demonstrates the university's resilience and dedication to empowering future leaders.
In 2023, Shaw University had a total undergraduate enrolment of 843 students. During the same year, 89% of undergraduate students at Shaw University received financial aid through grants or loans. This represents a significant increase from 2022, when 74% of undergraduates received financial assistance. The university's dedication to making education accessible is further reflected in the average yearly cost of room and board, which was $8,307 in 2023, with no change from the previous year. Additionally, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,300, remaining unchanged during this period.
Shaw University's efforts to enhance accessibility are also evident in their degree programs. The most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations in 2023 included General Business Administration & Management (with 40 degrees awarded), Mass Communication & Media Studies (21 degrees), and Kinesiology & Exercise Science (20 degrees). The university's ability to cater to diverse academic interests attracts academically talented individuals. Furthermore, Shaw University's collaboration with the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina has made opportunities in technology even more accessible to its students.
The university's commitment to its students extends beyond academics. With a campus size of 30 acres, Shaw University provides a well-rounded experience. The campus is equipped with four dorms, the Willie E. Gary Student Center, and various resources for students' social and recreational needs. The Student Government Association (SGA) plays a crucial role in representing student interests, and the university's marching band, "Platinum Sound," fosters school spirit and participation in events like the Honda Battle of the Bands. Shaw University's annual traditions, such as Founder's Day and the Athletic Banquet, unite the community and honour the university's rich history.
Exploring UVI: Student Population and Campus Life
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.99

The Student Government Association advises other student organisations
Shaw University in North Carolina has a total undergraduate enrollment of 843 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers a vibrant campus life with a plethora of opportunities for engagement, service, and personal growth. The Student Government Association (SGA) of Shaw University is the official voice of the student body. It serves as a liaison between the University Administration and the student community. The SGA advises other student organizations and empowers students to fulfill their potential and become visionary leaders within the community.
The SGA's mission is to foster leadership development and promote personal responsibility, academic excellence, and social advocacy. It strives to create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment where all students can thrive. The association encourages students to participate in the governance of the institution and ensures that their voices are heard and valued.
The SGA also collaborates with the School of Divinity and other academic clubs and recreational organizations. It advises and supports over 30 student-run organizations on campus, including fraternities and sororities, academic clubs, and social groups. The SGA provides resources and guidance to help students develop their leadership skills and contribute to campus life.
Additionally, the SGA works to uphold the values of freedom of thought and expression and foster unity and democracy on campus. It advises student organizations on how to effectively represent student interests and concerns while promoting inclusivity and diversity. The SGA also collaborates with student leaders, such as Zaid Steele, who served as the SGA President and worked to activate the youth vote. Through its advisory role, the SGA helps create a unified and engaged student community at Shaw University.
Purdue University: Student Population and Campus Life
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Shaw University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 843 students as of Fall 2023. In Fall 2024, the university welcomed 400 new students, marking a 36% increase in new student enrollment.
No, Shaw University has experienced fluctuations in its enrollment numbers over the years. In the mid-1980s, for example, the university saw a decline in enrollment. However, under the leadership of President Talbert O. Shaw from 1988 to 2003, the student body increased from 1,600 to 2,700.
As of 2025, Shaw University is ranked within the range of #88-97 in the Regional Colleges South category of America's Best Colleges. This ranking takes into account various indicators of excellence, including student enrollment and retention rates.











































