Gardner Webb University

5/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Boiling Springs, NC
4.7 3 reviews

#10 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

3,104

Location Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Website gardner-webb.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Rural Fringe
Religious Affiliation Southern Baptist

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Gardner-Webb University is a private Baptist institution located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, approximately one hour west of Charlotte and 50 miles east of Asheville in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 240-acre suburban campus features Georgian-style architecture and a mix of historic and modern facilities, including Lake Hollifield, which serves as a central landmark. Founded in 1905 as Boiling Springs High School, the institution evolved into a junior college in 1928 and achieved university status in 1993. The university maintains relatively selective admission standards and is known for its programs in nursing, education, and divinity, while also offering comprehensive liberal arts and business curricula. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, with housing provided in traditional residence halls and suite-style accommodations, and the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Runnin' Bulldogs.

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Ratings

GWU is rated within the lower 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

Overall Rating

5 out of 10
Academics

5 out of 10
Resources

5 out of 10
Outcomes

5 out of 10
Value

6 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Gardner Webb University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#691
Best Private Colleges in the U.S.

#459
Best Colleges in North Carolina

#19
Best Private Colleges in North Carolina

#10
Best Value Colleges in North Carolina

#46

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Easy

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 975/1198
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 19/25
GPA 3.74

Acceptance Rate

77.2%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 11.2%
Application Fee $0

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$34,760

Costs for Gardner Webb University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$34,760
Books and Supplies		$1,000
Other Fees		$980
Room and Board		$11,410
Budget for Other Expenses		$2,500
Total One Year Cost		$50,650

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$40,500 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

55% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Gardner Webb University are Business, Social Sciences, and Health Professions. 30% of students major in Business, 23% in Social Sciences, and 18% in Health Professions.