ASU vs. GWU

Comparable Facts

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

Appalachian State University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Gardner Webb University is in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Gardner Webb University 12:1.

ASU vs. GWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU 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 Appalachian State University than GWU ($14,978 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 11.3% lower than at Appalachian State University ($11,410 vs. $12,868).
• Gardner Webb University is 358.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $27,181 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.9% higher at GWU than at Appalachian State University (about $9,548 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 238% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($27,088 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. GWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU 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 ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 110 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming ASU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; GWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at GWU (3.74).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 11.2% at GWU.

ASU vs. GWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Appalachian State University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $4,469 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 52%)

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.