GWU vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Pfeiffer University is in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Pfeiffer University 11:1.

GWU vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University than GWU ($19,660 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 11.2% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($11,410 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GWU (about $310 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Gardner Webb University (about $310 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Pfeiffer University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 4.4% larger than aid received by Pfeiffer University students ($27,088 vs. $25,951).

GWU vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming GWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Pfeiffer University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

GWU vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Pfeiffer University? 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 Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $600 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $2,570 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($22,399 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($231 vs. $258).
• More Pfeiffer University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.