GWU vs. Columbia International University

Should I go to Gardner Webb University or Columbia International University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if GWU or Columbia International University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.
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Gardner Webb University vs. Columbia International University comparison
Gardner Webb University Columbia International University College 3 College 4
Gardner Webb University
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Overview

 GWU Columbia International University
Location Boiling Springs, NC Columbia, SC
Setting Rural Fringe Midsize City
Enrollment 3,144 2,481
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #639 #705
Religious Affiliation Southern Baptist - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website gardner-webb.edu ciu.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

 GWU Columbia International University
Tuition (In State) $31,220 $25,620
Tuition (Out of State) $31,220 $25,620
Room & Board $10,770 $9,950
Avg Net Price $22,339 $19,911
Avg Grant Aid $24,130 $18,834
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 95%

Admission

 GWU Columbia International University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 5,728 506
Admitted 4,293 244
Acceptance Rate 74.9% 48.2%
Enrolled % 9.4% 73.4%
Avg High School GPA 3.74 3.5
Typical High School Grades A- B+
Admissions Standards Moderate Easy
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 20/25 16/25
SAT Range 1020/1210 990/1195
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Required to be considered for admission
Application Deadline Aug 1, 2025

Academics

 GWU Columbia International University
Student to Faculty Ratio 11:1 13:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (30%)
  • Social Sciences (23%)
  • Health Professions (18%)
  • Education (5%)
  • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (4%)
  • Theology and Religious Vvocations (69%)
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities (11%)
  • Psychology (7%)
  • General Studies (6%)
  • Communication (3%)

Outcomes

 GWU Columbia International University
Graduation Rate 55% 57%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $40,500 $33,400
Making Student Loan Payments 52% 63%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,969 $21,500
Median Loan Payment $258 $222

Diversity

 GWU Columbia International University
% Men 32% 46%
% Women 68% 54%
Racial Diversity Medium Low
HBCU No No
% White 67% 72%
% Black 17% 10%
% Hispanic 3% 4%
% Native American 1% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 0% 2%
% International 1% 4%
% Unknown Race 10% 6%

Students

 GWU Columbia International University
% In-State 54% 59%
% Out-of-State 41% 38%

Campus

 GWU Columbia International University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes No
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Gardner Webb University is larger than than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (3,144 students vs. 2,481 students)

GWU vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Columbia International University?

  • Gardner Webb University is 21.9% more expensive to attend than Columbia International University for in-state tuition ($31,220.00 vs. $25,620.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 21.9% higher at GWU than Columbia International University ($31,220.00 vs. $25,620.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Columbia International University than GWU ($19,911 vs. $22,339)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 8.2% lower than costs at Gardner Webb University ($9,950 vs. $10,770)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Gardner Webb University than Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 28.1% larger than aid received Columbia International University ($24,130 vs. $18,834)

GWU vs. Columbia International University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Columbia International University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Columbia International University or GWU .

  • The average SAT score at Columbia International University (1045) is 68 points higher than at GWU (977)
  • Incoming Columbia International University students have a 2 point higher average ACT score (23) than students at GWU (21)
  • Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Columbia International University (3.5)
  • GWU has a higher acceptance rate (74.9%) than Columbia International University (48.2%)

GWU vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, GWU or Columbia International University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Columbia International University and GWU.

  • The graduation rate at Columbia International University is higher than Gardner Webb University (57% vs. 55%)
  • Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn on average $7,100 more per year than Columbia International University graduates after ten years. ($40,500 vs. $33,400)
  • Columbia International University students graduate with a $3,469 lower median federal student loan debt than GWU graduates. ($21,500 vs. $24,969)
  • Columbia International University graduates are paying $36 less per month on federal student loans than GWU graduates. ($222 vs. $258)
  • More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/