GWU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

GWU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($20,016 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 14.9% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($11,410 vs. $13,400).
• Gardner Webb University is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lenoir-Rhyne University (about $2,860 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $31,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at GWU than at Lenoir Rhyne University (about $2,860 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $31,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Lenoir Rhyne University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 15.4% larger than aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students ($27,088 vs. $23,467).

GWU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and GWU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Lenoir-Rhyne University (3.41).
• Lenoir-Rhyne University has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

GWU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir Rhyne University's (47%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.