GWU vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gardner Webb University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Mary Baldwin University is in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Mary Baldwin University 15:1.

GWU vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University than GWU ($17,810 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 0% lower than at Mary Baldwin University ($11,410 vs. $11,411).
• Gardner Webb University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than MBC (about $608 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at GWU than at Mary Baldwin University (about $608 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Mary Baldwin University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 3.9% larger than aid received by Gardner Webb University students ($28,135 vs. $27,088).

GWU vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 60 points higher than at MBC (1030).
• Incoming GWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at MBC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at MBC (3.57).

GWU vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University's (49%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.