
118 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-2399, USA


Shaw University provides a variety of athletic programs for students interested in competitive sports and physical activity. The university's teams, known as the Bears, compete primarily in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), a well-regarded Division II conference in the NCAA. This affiliation offers student-athletes opportunities to engage in high-level competition while pursuing their academic goals.
The institution supports both men's and women's sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, track and field, and tennis. This diverse range of sports ensures that prospective students can find programs suited to their interests and skills. Facilities on campus support training and competition, contributing to a comprehensive athletic experience.
Participation in athletics at Shaw also emphasizes personal development, leadership, and teamwork, aligning with the university's broader educational mission. Students benefit from coaching staffs dedicated to both athletic performance and academic success, helping them balance sport and study commitments effectively.
Shaw University has a total enrollment of 821 students, comprising 411 men and 410 women.
Shaw University hosts a modest student body with a total enrollment of 259 new students, including 186 freshmen and 73 transfer students. These enrollment figures place the university in the lower 35 to 40 percentiles nationally, indicating a smaller intake compared to many other institutions.
The age distribution of students reflects a diverse range of maturity levels. Among undergraduates, the majority are young adults aged 18 to 21, with 273 students aged 18-19 and 248 aged 20-21. There is also a notable presence of older students, including 27 between 40 and 49 years old, 26 aged 50 to 64, and some over 65. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant numbers in the 40-49, 50-64, and above 65 age brackets, underscoring Shaw University's appeal to non-traditional and returning students.
Diversity at Shaw University is characterized by a predominantly African American population, numbering 629 students, which ranks in the top 50 percent nationally for this demographic representation. Hispanic students number 51, falling into the lower 40 percentiles, while White students are comparatively few at 15, placing the university in a lower 30 percentile for this group. Other ethnicities such as Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races are present in smaller numbers, with all these groups clustered in the bottom 40 to 50 percentiles. Additionally, 60 students' ethnicities remain unspecified, also aligning with lower national percentiles.
Student life at Shaw University features a balance of cultural and support activities that cater to diverse interests and needs. The university offers opportunities in music, with both a campus band and chorus providing outlets for students inclined toward performing arts. Health and wellness resources are also available, including a health clinic and psychological counseling services to support student well-being. Although the campus is relatively small in size, these features contribute to a supportive environment where students can engage both socially and personally during their time at the university.
Shaw University provides students access to two libraries, a number that aligns with the average among comparable institutions and places it in the top 50% percentile. The primary facility, the James E. Cheek Learning Resources Center, serves as the main hub for academic resources. In addition to this main library, there is one other library on campus, contributing to the overall collection availability for students.
Both physical and digital resources are accessible, reflecting the institution's commitment to comprehensive research support. The libraries maintain established hours and offer professional staff trained to assist students in navigating available materials. Furthermore, access to shared collections enhances the range of resources students can utilize, providing a more extensive repository than what is locally held.
Total enrollment
964Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
238Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
52 full time, 41 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
James E. Cheek Learning Resources CenterNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes