At $24,137/yr net price, Gardner-Webb University graduates earn $48,039/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,039/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,137 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,548 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,039/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,039/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,222 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,744/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,750/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,334/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,534/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,952/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $95,930 | $118,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $83,177 | $41,319 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,576 | $62,630 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $66,401 | $63,824 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,640 | $18,875 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,748 | $27,409 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,254 | $19,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,036 | $27,882 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $47,260 | $29,937 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $24,511 |
The Risk Factor
61.7% of students at Gardner-Webb University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Gardner-Webb University delivers mixed financial returns, with healthcare programs offering strong payoffs while other majors struggle to justify the $24,137 annual cost.
The nursing programs represent your best financial bet, with graduates earning $59,640 to $83,177 annually against manageable debt loads. Allied health diagnostic programs top the earnings charts at $95,930, though the $118,500 debt burden requires careful consideration of your career timeline and earning potential in specialized medical fields.
Education majors face a challenging financial reality. While educational administration graduates earn $74,576, the $62,630 debt load creates a difficult repayment scenario given typical educator salaries in North Carolina. Curriculum and instruction majors earn even less at $66,401 with similar debt burdens.
The 61.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without degrees while carrying debt. The 69.5% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles early on, potentially signaling mismatched expectations or inadequate support systems.
Gardner-Webb works best for you if nursing or allied health aligns with your career goals and you can handle the academic demands. The school's healthcare connections in the Charlotte region provide solid job placement opportunities. However, if you're considering education or liberal arts, the debt-to-earnings ratio makes this a poor financial choice.
Only 26.8% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit scholarships may be available but aren't widely distributed. You should have realistic financing plans and strong academic preparation before enrolling, as the combination of moderate completion rates and limited aid creates financial vulnerability for struggling students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gardner-Webb University worth the cost?
Gardner-Webb's value depends heavily on your major. Allied health and nursing graduates earn significantly above the $48,039 average, while other programs may not justify the $24,137 annual cost.
What are the best paying majors at Gardner-Webb University?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead at $95,930 average earnings, followed by nursing at $83,177. Education administration pays $74,576, while general nursing programs average $59,640.
How much student debt do Gardner-Webb University graduates have?
Median debt is $24,222, which is manageable if you're in high-paying health programs but risky for lower-earning majors. The 61.7% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Gardner-Webb University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $24,137 suggests moderate aid for a private university. However, with average earnings of $48,039, graduates may struggle to repay loans unless they enter high-demand healthcare fields.