Gardner-Webb University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.
About This School
Gardner-Webb University is a private nonprofit institution located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with approximately 1,856 undergraduate students enrolled. Gardner-Webb University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 77%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,674 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, 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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 5% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
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
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,856 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
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Appalachian State University
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Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
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