About Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb University brings Southern Baptist values to a small campus where faith and academics intersect. This Christian university enrolls 1,836 students in rural North Carolina, creating an intimate environment where professors know their students personally. The school has built a reputation for nursing, education, and business programs that prepare graduates for service-oriented careers. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more like discussions than lectures.
Students pay an average net price of $24,137 after financial aid, though costs vary based on family income. Graduates earn a median of $48,039 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,222. The monthly loan payment of $257 represents a manageable burden for most alumni. The school's 96.4% employment rate suggests strong career preparation despite modest starting salaries.
The campus atmosphere reflects its Baptist heritage while embracing Division I athletics as the Runnin' Bulldogs. Women comprise 63.7% of students, creating a female-majority environment. With 22 varsity sports and $7.98 million in athletic scholarships, sports play a central role in campus culture. The 61.7% six-year graduation rate indicates that students need time to complete their degrees, but most eventually cross the finish line.
Students pay an average net price of $24,137 after financial aid, though costs vary based on family income. Graduates earn a median of $48,039 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,222. The monthly loan payment of $257 represents a manageable burden for most alumni. The school's 96.4% employment rate suggests strong career preparation despite modest starting salaries.
The campus atmosphere reflects its Baptist heritage while embracing Division I athletics as the Runnin' Bulldogs. Women comprise 63.7% of students, creating a female-majority environment. With 22 varsity sports and $7.98 million in athletic scholarships, sports play a central role in campus culture. The 61.7% six-year graduation rate indicates that students need time to complete their degrees, but most eventually cross the finish line.
Academics & Faculty
Gardner-Webb builds its academic reputation around health sciences, particularly nursing and physician assistant programs that draw students across the Southeast. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and can provide personalized mentoring. This Southern Baptist university emphasizes faith-based learning alongside professional preparation. The 57% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing rigorous coursework with the university's emphasis on service learning and internships. Gardner-Webb's business and education programs also attract strong regional recognition. Small class sizes allow for hands-on learning experiences, especially in the health sciences where clinical rotations and lab work are essential components of the curriculum.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.7%
- Retention Rate
- 69.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,039
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $95,930 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $83,177 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $66,401 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,640 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,748 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,254 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,036 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $47,260 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
Campus Life
The rural North Carolina campus sits about 50 miles west of Charlotte, surrounded by rolling hills and small-town charm. With housing capacity for 1,368 students and total enrollment of 1,836, most undergraduates live on campus during their early years. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name.
Students embrace the Southern Baptist heritage through chapel services and faith-based programming. You'll need both winter jackets for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the 80s. The Runnin' Bulldogs compete in 22 Division I sports, drawing campus crowds to basketball and football games. With 497 student-athletes among 1,836 total students, sports culture runs deep here.
Weekend activities center around campus events, outdoor recreation in the nearby foothills, and trips to Charlotte for shopping and entertainment. The close-knit community means students often gather for intramural sports, residence hall programs, and volunteer service projects. Greek life provides additional social opportunities, though the emphasis remains on Christian fellowship and academic growth.
Students embrace the Southern Baptist heritage through chapel services and faith-based programming. You'll need both winter jackets for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the 80s. The Runnin' Bulldogs compete in 22 Division I sports, drawing campus crowds to basketball and football games. With 497 student-athletes among 1,836 total students, sports culture runs deep here.
Weekend activities center around campus events, outdoor recreation in the nearby foothills, and trips to Charlotte for shopping and entertainment. The close-knit community means students often gather for intramural sports, residence hall programs, and volunteer service projects. Greek life provides additional social opportunities, though the emphasis remains on Christian fellowship and academic growth.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,368 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–52°F
- July Avg
- 65°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 4.0"
Student Demographics
Gardner-Webb draws students who value Christian community within a small college setting. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong programs in nursing, education, and health sciences that traditionally attract female students. The university serves a mix of local and regional students, with 55% coming from North Carolina and the remainder drawn by its Division I athletics and faith-based mission. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to families across economic backgrounds.
- Men
- 36.3%
- Women
- 63.7%
- White
- 49.8%
- Black
- 15.8%
- Hispanic
- 4.0%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 55.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.8%
Location
Gardner-Webb sits in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, about 50 miles west of Charlotte. The campus occupies a rural setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With just 1,836 students, the university creates an intimate atmosphere in this small town of fewer than 5,000 residents. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities with nearby state parks and hiking trails. Students experience a classic small-town college environment where the university serves as the community's centerpiece. The 55% in-state student population reflects the school's regional appeal. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Gardner-Webb with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Boiling Springs, North Carolina 28017-0997
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,039
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,632
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,222
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Gardner-Webb University?
Gardner-Webb accepts 75% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1115. This Southern Baptist university in rural North Carolina welcomes students who are serious about their faith and academics but may not have perfect test scores.
How much does Gardner-Webb University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $24,137 after aid, despite a sticker price of $45,220. The university provides substantial institutional grants averaging $24,130 to help make this Christian education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Gardner-Webb University?
Gardner-Webb maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,836 total students. This small size allows for close mentoring relationships that align with the university's emphasis on personal growth and Christian values.
What do graduates of Gardner-Webb University typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $48,039 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $257. The university's strong emphasis on practical skills and Christian service helps graduates find meaningful work with a 96.4% employment rate.
Where is Gardner-Webb University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, a rural setting that houses 1,368 students on campus. Women make up 64% of the student body, creating a close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller Christian universities.
Does Gardner-Webb University compete in Division I athletics?
Gardner-Webb fields 22 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division I as the Runnin' Bulldogs in the Big South Conference. The university invests $7.98 million in athletic scholarships for its 497 student-athletes, making sports a significant part of campus culture.
