GWU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at GWU is 74.9%.  Its admission rate is the 35th lowest in North Carolina.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into GWU and can you get accepted?

GWU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 4,293 out of the 5,728 who applied were admitted.

Gardner Webb University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.74. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 9% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into GWU?

75% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Gardner Webb University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.74 or better
• Earn A- grades in high school
• Score 1120 on the SAT
• Score 22 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top half of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Gardner Webb University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into GWU are to have around a 3.74 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as GWU accepts 75% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at GWU is 3.74 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #7 in North Carolina for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since GWU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Gardner Webb University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 16% of students submitted SAT scores and 22% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Gardner Webb University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at GWU is 1120 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1020-1210. Students who get into Gardner Webb University score in the top 57 percent of all SAT test takers..  GWU ranks #22 in the state of North Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1120 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. GWU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1020 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1020, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 920, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Gardner Webb University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1120 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1115, you have around a 75% chance of being admitted. A 1210 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 85% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into GWU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to GWU is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 20 and 25.  The school ranks #24 in North Carolina for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 22. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 20 and score in the score in the top 49 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 18.

22 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Gardner Webb University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Gardner Webb University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into GWU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 75% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 87% with a 25 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

60% of Gardner Webb University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 34% are in the top quarter.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Gardner Webb University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Gardner Webb University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because GWU is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.74 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1120 on the SAT and 22 on the ACT will further lock in your application.