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Catawba College vs Gardner-Webb University

Catawba College is a private college in Salisbury, NC, and Gardner-Webb University is a private university in Boiling Springs, NC. Catawba College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 75% of applicants against 77% at Gardner-Webb University. Gardner-Webb University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,674 a year against $17,879 at Catawba College. About 59% of students graduate at Gardner-Webb University, compared with 50% at Catawba College. Ten years after enrolling, Catawba College alumni earn a median of about $48,793, against $48,039 for Gardner-Webb University.

Catawba College

Salisbury, NC · Private

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Salisbury, NC
Boiling Springs, NC
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,235
1,856
Acceptance rate
75%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1300
975–1198
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,879
$17,674
Full cost / yr
$49,516
$47,091
In-state tuition
$34,300
$34,760
Out-of-state tuition
$34,300
$34,760
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,618
$15,304
$30k - $48k
$17,495
$14,594
$48k - $75k
$15,412
$13,769
$75k - $110k
$17,440
$15,946
Over $110k
$24,420
$22,438
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
59%
Freshman retention
77%
55%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,912
$43,996
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,793
$48,039
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$24,222
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
37%
First-generation students
30%
35%
International students
7%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Catawba College or Gardner-Webb University harder to get into?
Catawba College is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 77% at Gardner-Webb University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Catawba College or Gardner-Webb University?
Gardner-Webb University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,674 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,879 at Catawba College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Catawba College and Gardner-Webb University?
Before aid, Gardner-Webb University costs about $47,091 a year and Catawba College about $49,516. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Catawba College or Gardner-Webb University?
Catawba College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,618 there, against about $15,304 at Gardner-Webb University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Catawba College or Gardner-Webb University?
Gardner-Webb University is the larger of the two, with about 1,856 undergraduates against 1,235 at Catawba College.
Does Catawba College or Gardner-Webb University have a better graduation rate?
Gardner-Webb University has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 50% at Catawba College.
Do graduates of Catawba College or Gardner-Webb University earn more?
Catawba College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,793 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,039 for Gardner-Webb University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Catawba College and Gardner-Webb University require SAT or ACT scores?
Catawba College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Gardner-Webb University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Catawba College and Gardner-Webb University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1300 at Catawba College and 975–1198 at Gardner-Webb University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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