GWU vs. Coker

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Coker based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 1,325 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GWU vs. Coker Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Coker? 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 Coker University than GWU ($19,823 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 5.8% lower than at Coker University ($11,410 vs. $12,114).
• Gardner Webb University is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Coker (about $1,344 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $33,416.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at GWU than at Coker University (about $1,344 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $33,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Coker University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 2.4% larger than aid received by Coker University students ($27,088 vs. $26,449).

GWU vs. Coker Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 40 points higher than at Coker (1050).
• Incoming GWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Coker).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Coker University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Coker University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Coker - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.64 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Coker (3.1).
• Coker has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 22.7% at Coker.

GWU vs. Coker Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Coker? 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 Coker University's (49%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Coker graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $3,031 lower median loan debt than Coker graduates ($24,969 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Coker graduates ($258 vs. $289).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Coker students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 41%)

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.