GWU vs. WVU

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (23,643 students vs. 3,104 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); West Virginia University is in Morgantown, WV (Small City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; West Virginia University 19:1.

GWU vs. WVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or WVU? 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 West Virginia University than GWU ($15,169 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 21.8% lower than at West Virginia University ($11,410 vs. $14,582).
• Gardner Webb University is 244% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVU (about $24,656 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.5% higher at GWU than at West Virginia University (about $6,152 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $28,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at West Virginia University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 119.1% larger than aid received by West Virginia University students ($27,088 vs. $12,363).

GWU vs. WVU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or WVU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WVU and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at West Virginia University (1120) is 30 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming WVU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; West Virginia University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gardner Webb University 19/25; West Virginia University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; WVU - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman GWU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at WVU (3.45).
• WVU has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 24.8% at WVU.

GWU vs. WVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and WVU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• West Virginia University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University 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, West Virginia University graduates have a $968 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($24,001 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, WVU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More WVU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.