GWU vs. Ashland College

Comparable Facts

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

Ashland University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (4,106 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Ashland University is in Ashland, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ashland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Ashland University 14:1.

GWU vs. Ashland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Ashland College? 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 Gardner Webb University than Ashland College ($20,016 vs. $22,610).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 15.9% lower than at Ashland University ($11,410 vs. $13,568).
• Gardner Webb University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ashland College (about $3,550 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $31,210.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at GWU than at Ashland University (about $3,550 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $31,210.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Ashland University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 30% larger than aid received by Ashland University students ($27,088 vs. $20,835).

GWU vs. Ashland College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Ashland College? 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 Ashland College and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ashland University (1120) is 30 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming GWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Ashland College (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Ashland University 1035/1208.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Ashland University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Ashland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Ashland College (3.54).
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Ashland College (76.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 15.9% at Ashland College.

GWU vs. Ashland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Ashland College? 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).

• Ashland University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Ashland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $1,281 lower median loan debt than Ashland College graduates ($24,969 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ashland College graduates ($258 vs. $271).
• More Ashland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 52%)

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.