GWU vs. Erskine College

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Erskine College based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Erskine College is in Due West, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Erskine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Erskine College 15:1.

GWU vs. Erskine College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Erskine 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 Gardner Webb University than Erskine College ($20,016 vs. $23,882).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 13.9% lower than at Erskine College ($11,410 vs. $13,250).
• Erskine College is 5.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GWU (about $1,950 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at Erskine College than at Gardner Webb University (about $1,950 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Erskine College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Erskine College students is 15.1% larger than aid received by Gardner Webb University students ($31,174 vs. $27,088).

GWU vs. Erskine College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 50 points higher than at Erskine College (1040).
• Incoming GWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Erskine College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Erskine College 920/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Erskine College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Erskine College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Erskine College (3.26).
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Erskine College (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 22.2% at Erskine College.

GWU vs. Erskine College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Erskine 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).

• The graduation rate at GWU is the same as at Erskine College (55% vs. 55%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Erskine College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $1,781 lower median loan debt than Erskine College graduates ($24,969 vs. $26,750).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Erskine College graduates ($258 vs. $276).
• More Erskine College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.