GWU vs. Randolph-Macon

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Randolph-Macon based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 1,687 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Randolph Macon College is in Ashland, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Randolph Macon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Randolph Macon College 11:1.

GWU vs. Randolph-Macon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph-Macon ($20,016 vs. $28,912).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 21.5% lower than at Randolph Macon College ($11,410 vs. $14,540).
• Randolph Macon College is 42.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GWU (about $14,706 more per year; $49,466.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.3% higher at Randolph-Macon than at Gardner Webb University (about $14,706 more per year; $49,466.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Randolph Macon College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Randolph Macon College students is 29.1% larger than aid received by Gardner Webb University students ($34,972 vs. $27,088).

GWU vs. Randolph-Macon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph-Macon and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Randolph Macon College (1100) is 10 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming Randolph-Macon students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Randolph Macon College 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Randolph Macon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Randolph-Macon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Randolph-Macon Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Randolph-Macon (3.7).
• Randolph-Macon has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 18.9% at Randolph-Macon.

GWU vs. Randolph-Macon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Randolph-Macon? 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).

• Randolph Macon College's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Randolph Macon College earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 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 Randolph-Macon graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Randolph-Macon graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Randolph-Macon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.