What Is Shaw University?

Shaw University is a private historically Black university (HBCU) located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. It describes itself as the first HBCU in North Carolina, with a history dating back to 1865, and it positions itself as a close-knit, career-focused institution built around academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

Where is Shaw University?

Shaw University is in the heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. That urban location places it in a capital city rather than a rural campus setting, which matters if you are weighing access to internships, city amenities, or public transit.

What kind of school is it?

Shaw identifies as an HBCU — a historically Black college or university. Two points from its own description stand out:

• Historical claim: It calls itself the first HBCU in North Carolina and says it has been a leader in higher education since 1865.
• Environment: It describes itself as a "close-knit" and "supportive family environment," with a diverse and inclusive community.

The 1865 founding date places Shaw in the post-Civil War era, and the university frames its history around opportunity and empowerment. Its page references figures such as Ella Baker, noting that she and fellow students at Shaw helped establish the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

What can you study?

Shaw says its academic programs span the arts, sciences, business, and health professions, with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Its interest areas give a sense of the range:

It also mentions "Personalized Degree" as an option, which suggests some flexibility in shaping a program — worth confirming directly with admissions if that matters to you.

Who is it for?

Shaw presents itself as a place for students who want a career-focused education in a supportive community, and for those who value an HBCU setting with a long historical legacy. The university's stated aim is to equip students with skills and experiences for a changing world, whether they want to innovate, lead, or create.

What to check before deciding

The homepage is promotional, so treat it as a starting point. To make a real decision, verify:

• Specific majors and degree levels — the interest list is broad, but it does not confirm which full programs are offered or at what level.
• Cost and financial aid — no pricing information appears in the source material, so do not assume anything about tuition or aid.
• Admissions requirements and deadlines — not covered on the page.
• Campus life details — the page references events like Homecoming 2026, but day-to-day student life needs a closer look.

For anything time-sensitive, such as event schedules or application dates, go directly to the university's official pages rather than relying on a summary.