GWU vs. DBU

Comparable Facts

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

Dallas Baptist University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (4,124 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Dallas Baptist University is in Dallas, TX (Large City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dallas Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Dallas Baptist University 16:1.

GWU vs. DBU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or DBU? 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 DBU ($20,016 vs. $30,057).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 3.9% lower than at Dallas Baptist University ($11,410 vs. $11,876).
• Dallas Baptist University is 15.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GWU (about $5,430 more per year; $40,190.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.6% higher at DBU than at Gardner Webb University (about $5,430 more per year; $40,190.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Dallas Baptist University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Dallas Baptist University students ($27,088 vs. $22,711).

GWU vs. DBU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is the same as at DBU (1090).
• Incoming DBU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Dallas Baptist University 960/1213.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Dallas Baptist University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); DBU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at DBU (3.46).
• DBU has a higher acceptance rate (88.8%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 11.2% at DBU.

GWU vs. DBU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and DBU? 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).

• Dallas Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Dallas Baptist University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dallas Baptist University graduates have a $3,219 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($21,750 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, DBU graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($224 vs. $258).
• More DBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.