GWU vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

GWU vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Columbia International University? 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 Gardner Webb University than Columbia International University ($20,016 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 4.5% lower than at Columbia International University ($11,410 vs. $11,950).
• Gardner Webb University is 24.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $6,860 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.6% higher at GWU than at Columbia International University (about $6,860 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 59.3% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($27,088 vs. $17,009).

GWU vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Columbia International University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia International University and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is the same as at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming GWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman GWU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

GWU vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Columbia International University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $3,469 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.