Shorter vs. GWU

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); Gardner Webb University is in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; Gardner Webb University 12:1.

Shorter vs. GWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter or GWU? 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 Shorter University than GWU ($16,821 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 13.1% lower than at Gardner Webb University ($9,920 vs. $11,410).
• Gardner Webb University is 41.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shorter (about $10,130 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.1% higher at GWU than at Shorter University (about $10,130 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University as at Gardner Webb University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 43.6% larger than aid received by Shorter University students ($27,088 vs. $18,862).

Shorter vs. GWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 30 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming GWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shorter).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 1040/1200; Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; GWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 11.2% at GWU.

Shorter vs. GWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter and GWU? 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 Shorter University's (47%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $3,449 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($24,969 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($258 vs. $293).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 38%)

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.