Brenau University vs. GWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA with Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gardner Webb University is larger than Brenau University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Gardner Webb University is in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Gardner Webb University 12:1.

Brenau University vs. GWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau University or GWU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brenau University than GWU ($19,743 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 11.2% lower than at Brenau University ($11,410 vs. $12,850).
• Gardner Webb University is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brenau University (about $733 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $34,027.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at GWU than at Brenau University (about $733 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $34,027.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Brenau University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 2.9% larger than aid received by Brenau University students ($27,088 vs. $26,325).

Brenau University vs. GWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brenau University or GWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between GWU and Brenau University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 20 points higher than at Brenau University (1070).
• Incoming GWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; GWU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Brenau University (3.39).
• Brenau University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 11.2% at GWU.

Brenau University vs. GWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau University and GWU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Brenau University's (44%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 48%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.