Davidson College vs Gardner-Webb University
Davidson College is a private college in Davidson, NC, and Gardner-Webb University is a private university in Boiling Springs, NC. Davidson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 77% at Gardner-Webb University. Davidson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,379 a year against $17,674 at Gardner-Webb University. About 91% of students graduate at Davidson College, compared with 59% at Gardner-Webb University. Ten years after enrolling, Davidson College alumni earn a median of about $81,400, against $48,039 for Gardner-Webb University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Davidson, NC
Boiling Springs, NC
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,867
1,856
Acceptance rate
13%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
975–1198
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,379
$17,674
Full cost / yr
$79,475
$47,091
In-state tuition
$64,410
$34,760
Out-of-state tuition
$64,410
$34,760
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,497
$15,304
$30k - $48k
$5,354
$14,594
$48k - $75k
$6,759
$13,769
$75k - $110k
$18,616
$15,946
Over $110k
$42,346
$22,438
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
59%
Freshman retention
95%
55%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,866
$43,996
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,400
$48,039
Median debt at graduation
$18,688
$24,222
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
37%
First-generation students
16%
35%
International students
11%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 11
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.
- Is Davidson College or Gardner-Webb University harder to get into?
- Davidson College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% 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, Davidson College or Gardner-Webb University?
- Davidson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,379 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,674 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Davidson College and Gardner-Webb University?
- Before aid, Gardner-Webb University costs about $47,091 a year and Davidson College about $79,475. 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, Davidson College or Gardner-Webb University?
- Davidson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,497 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, Davidson College or Gardner-Webb University?
- Davidson College is the larger of the two, with about 1,867 undergraduates against 1,856 at Gardner-Webb University.
- Does Davidson College or Gardner-Webb University have a better graduation rate?
- Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 59% at Gardner-Webb University.
- Do graduates of Davidson College or Gardner-Webb University earn more?
- Davidson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,400 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,039 for Gardner-Webb University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Davidson College and Gardner-Webb University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Davidson 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 Davidson College and Gardner-Webb University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 975–1198 at Gardner-Webb University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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