GWU vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

GWU vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Wheeling 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 Wheeling University ($20,016 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 8.5% lower than at Wheeling University ($11,410 vs. $12,470).
• Gardner Webb University is 16.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheeling University (about $4,885 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.4% higher at GWU than at Wheeling University (about $4,885 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Wheeling University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Wheeling University students ($27,088 vs. $21,931).

GWU vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 20 points higher than at Wheeling University (1070).
• Incoming GWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Wheeling University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

GWU vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than Wheeling University graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.