Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC · Rural (distant)
Admissions
- Acceptance rate (most recent year)
- 77.2%
- Applicants (fall 2023)
- 4,670
- Admitted (fall 2023)
- 4,064
- Enrolled freshmen (fall 2023)
- 411
- Yield (admitted who enroll)
- 10%
- Acceptance rate – women (fall 2023)
- 88%
- Acceptance rate – men (fall 2023)
- 86%
- SAT reading, middle 50%
- 495–608
- SAT math, middle 50%
- 480–590
- ACT composite, middle 50%
- 19–25
- Enrollees who sent SAT / ACT
- 13% / 23%
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class; test ranges and rate from U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
What they look at
- High school GPA
- required
- High school class rank
- required
- High school record (transcript)
- required
- College-prep program completed
- required
- Recommendations
- required
- Demonstration of competencies
- considered
- SAT/ACT scores
- considered
- English proficiency test (TOEFL etc.)
- required
- Other test
- not considered
- Work experience
- considered
- Personal statement or essay
- required
- Legacy status
- considered
“Considered” means the college uses it if you submit it, but it isn’t required.
What families actually pay
Average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) for first-time, full-time students who got aid, by family income.
- Full sticker price (per year)
- $47,091
- Tuition & fees – in-state
- $34,760
- Tuition & fees – out-of-state
- $34,760
- Median debt at graduation
- $24,222
- Students with federal loans
- 47%
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Outcomes
- Graduate within 6 years
- 55%
- Freshmen who return for year 2
- 55%
- Median earnings, 1 year after graduating
- $45,413
- Median earnings, 10 years after starting
- $48,039
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Students & campus
- Undergraduates
- 1,856
- Graduate students
- 1,243
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- 12 : 1
- Women
- 62%
- Students receiving Pell grants
- 37%
- Full-time faculty
- 99%
Undergraduate diversity
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Most popular majors
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release) (share of bachelor’s degrees awarded)
Contacts & links
- President
- Dr. William Downs
- Main phone
- (704) 406-2361
- Address
- Main St, Boiling Springs, NC 28017-0997
How to apply (2026–27)
| Plan | Apply by | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Priority deadline | November 15 | — |
Also admits on a rolling basis.
- Apply with
- Common App, Own application
- Application fee
- Free
- SAT/ACT
- Optional
Financial aid policies
- Merit scholarships: Awards up to $24,000 based on academic profile, listed in acceptance letter
- Early Admission Advantage: accepted by Nov 15, deposit by Jan 15 for priority housing/scholarships
Source: the college’s official website: gardner-webb.edu, gardner-webb.edu, gardner-webb.edu, admissions.gardner-webb.edu. Dates can change, so always confirm on the college’s site.