GWU vs. Salem College

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Salem College is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Salem College 9:1.

GWU vs. Salem College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Salem 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 Salem College than GWU ($18,668 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 16.8% lower than at Salem College ($11,410 vs. $13,710).
• Gardner Webb University is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $912 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at GWU than at Salem College (about $912 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Salem College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 10.8% larger than aid received by Gardner Webb University students ($30,001 vs. $27,088).

GWU vs. Salem College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 60 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming GWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Salem College 1066/1243.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Salem College 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Salem College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 7.9% at Salem College.

GWU vs. Salem College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Salem 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).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Salem College 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.