Gardner-Webb University vs Salem College
Gardner-Webb University is a private university in Boiling Springs, NC, and Salem College is a private college in Winston-Salem, NC. Both admit about 77% of applicants. Gardner-Webb University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,674 a year against $18,277 at Salem College. About 59% of students graduate at Gardner-Webb University, compared with 57% at Salem College. Ten years after enrolling, Gardner-Webb University alumni earn a median of about $48,039, against $44,640 for Salem College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boiling Springs, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
1,856
423
Acceptance rate
77%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
975–1198
1066–1243
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,674
$18,277
Full cost / yr
$47,091
$48,532
In-state tuition
$34,760
$33,848
Out-of-state tuition
$34,760
$33,848
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,304
$19,074
$30k - $48k
$14,594
$16,001
$48k - $75k
$13,769
$16,147
$75k - $110k
$15,946
$19,940
Over $110k
$22,438
$24,027
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
57%
Freshman retention
55%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,996
$38,496
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,039
$44,640
Median debt at graduation
$24,222
$26,649
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
55%
First-generation students
35%
33%
International students
0%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Gardner-Webb University or Salem College harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 77% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Gardner-Webb University or Salem College?
- Gardner-Webb University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,674 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,277 at Salem 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 Gardner-Webb University and Salem College?
- Before aid, Gardner-Webb University costs about $47,091 a year and Salem College about $48,532. 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, Gardner-Webb University or Salem College?
- Gardner-Webb University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,304 there, against about $19,074 at Salem College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Gardner-Webb University or Salem College?
- Gardner-Webb University is the larger of the two, with about 1,856 undergraduates against 423 at Salem College.
- Does Gardner-Webb University or Salem College have a better graduation rate?
- Gardner-Webb University has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 57% at Salem College.
- Do graduates of Gardner-Webb University or Salem College earn more?
- Gardner-Webb University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,039 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,640 for Salem College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Gardner-Webb University and Salem College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Gardner-Webb University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Salem College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Gardner-Webb University and Salem College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 975–1198 at Gardner-Webb University and 1066–1243 at Salem College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school