Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Boiling Springs, North Carolina |
| Online | gardner-webb.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Religious Affiliation | Southern Baptist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Gardner-Webb University is a private Baptist institution located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, approximately one hour west of Charlotte and 50 miles east of Asheville in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 240-acre suburban campus features Georgian-style architecture and a mix of historic and modern facilities, including Lake Hollifield, which serves as a central landmark. Founded in 1905 as Boiling Springs High School, the institution evolved into a junior college in 1928 and achieved university status in 1993. The university maintains relatively selective admission standards and is known for its programs in nursing, education, and divinity, while also offering comprehensive liberal arts and business curricula. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, with housing provided in traditional residence halls and suite-style accommodations, and the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
GWU is rated within the lower 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Gardner Webb University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#604 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#409 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#16 in Best Colleges in North Carolina
#8 in Best Private Colleges in North Carolina
#47 in Best Value Colleges in North Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1040/1260 |
| ACT | 20/26 |
| GPA | 3.74 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $980 |
| Room and Board | $10,770 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,400 |
| Total One Year Cost | $47,620 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 30% |
| Social Sciences | 23% |
| Health Professions | 18% |
| Education | 5% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 4% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering GWU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=198561 IPEDS survey data for Gardner Webb University.
Current students may use the Gardner Webb University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025