GWU vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gardner Webb University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

GWU vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Carson-Newman University? 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 Carson-Newman University ($20,016 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 3.3% lower than at Carson Newman University ($11,410 vs. $11,800).
• Gardner Webb University is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carson-Newman University (about $60 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at GWU than at Carson Newman University (about $60 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 3.7% larger than aid received by Gardner Webb University students ($28,090 vs. $27,088).

GWU vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Carson-Newman University? 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 Carson-Newman University and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is the same as at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming GWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Carson-Newman University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Carson-Newman University (3.6).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

GWU vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Carson-Newman University? 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 Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $1,089 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($23,880 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.