Thomas University vs. GWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas University in Thomasville, 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 Thomas University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 1,471 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Thomas University vs. GWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas University 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 Thomas University than GWU ($17,823 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas University are 28.7% lower than at Gardner Webb University ($8,140 vs. $11,410).
• Gardner Webb University is 198.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas University (about $23,120 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 198.6% higher at GWU than at Thomas University (about $23,120 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Thomas University as at Gardner Webb University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 415.4% larger than aid received by Thomas University students ($27,088 vs. $5,256).

Thomas University vs. GWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas University 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 Thomas University.

• Thomas University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas University (1110) is 20 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming Thomas University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at GWU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 990/1220; Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 20/24; Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas University - Open admission; GWU - Test optional.
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Thomas University (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 70.7% at Thomas University vs. 11.2% at GWU.

Thomas University vs. GWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas University 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 Thomas University's (8%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Thomas University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas University graduates have a $4,349 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($20,620 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Thomas University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($213 vs. $258).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Thomas University students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 36%)

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.