GWU vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Columbia College 12:1.

GWU vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College than GWU ($18,790 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 17.7% lower than at Gardner Webb University ($9,390 vs. $11,410).
• Gardner Webb University is 56.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $12,546 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.5% higher at GWU than at Columbia College (about $12,546 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 64.7% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($27,088 vs. $16,451).

GWU vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 90 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming GWU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Columbia College (3.56).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

GWU vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Columbia College? 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 Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $295 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($24,969 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($258 vs. $261).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 43%)

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.