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Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC·Private nonprofit·1,836 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,836 students.

87%
Accept
1,836
Students
$24,137
Net Price
62%
Grad Rate
$41,600
Earnings
10 yr
$16,453
Debt

About This School

Gardner-Webb University is a private nonprofit institution located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with approximately 1,836 undergraduate students enrolled. Gardner-Webb University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $24,137 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $41,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Gardner–Webb University (GWU) is a private Baptist university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, United States. It was founded as Boiling Springs High School in 1905. Gardner–Webb is classified as a Doctoral/Professional university.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 62% graduation rate and 69% freshman retention suggest a meaningful share of students don't make it through, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the plus side, median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $16,453, and the Baptist faith-based community in a small-town setting genuinely appeals to students who want that environment. Worth considering if you're drawn to the Christian mission and smaller campus feel, but ask hard questions about academic support and what's driving students to leave.

Founded
1905
Setting
Distant rural

Popular Programs

Health Professions22%
Business & Marketing17%
Psychology14%
Biological Sciences9%
Education8%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Communications3%
English2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Sara McMannScott HahnArtis GilmoreRobert M. PriceJohn Drew

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1146
Reading 75th %ile640
Math 75th %ile620

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$33,450
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,450
Avg Net Price
$24,137
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants27%
Median debt at graduation$16,453

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
62%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
69%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,453
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,453
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White50%
Black16%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,836 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Gardner-Webb University

Main St

Boiling Springs, NC 28017-0997

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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