GWU vs. Guilford College

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Guilford College based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 1,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GWU vs. Guilford College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Guilford 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 Guilford College ($20,016 vs. $22,270).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 14.9% lower than at Guilford College ($11,410 vs. $13,400).
• Guilford College is 19% more expensive for in-state tuition than GWU (about $6,602 more per year; $41,362.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19% higher at Guilford College than at Gardner Webb University (about $6,602 more per year; $41,362.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Guilford College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Guilford College students is 23.4% larger than aid received by Gardner Webb University students ($33,419 vs. $27,088).

GWU vs. Guilford College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Guilford College (1190) is 100 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming GWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Guilford College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Guilford College 1120/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Guilford College 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Guilford College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Guilford College (3.14).
• Guilford College has a higher acceptance rate (80%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 10.1% at Guilford College.

GWU vs. Guilford College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Guilford 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).

• Guilford College's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Guilford College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $1,666 lower median loan debt than Guilford College graduates ($24,969 vs. $26,635).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Guilford College graduates ($258 vs. $275).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Guilford College students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 51%)

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.