GWU vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GWU vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or CSU? 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 CSU ($20,016 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 6.5% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,410 vs. $12,200).
• Gardner Webb University is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $2,240 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at GWU than at Charleston Southern University (about $2,240 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Charleston Southern University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 16.6% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($27,088 vs. $23,240).

GWU vs. CSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 40 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming GWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 17.7% at CSU.

GWU vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and CSU? 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 Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $700 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 50%)

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.