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Gardner-Webb University vs Shaw University

Gardner-Webb University is a private university in Boiling Springs, NC, and Shaw University is a private university in Raleigh, NC. Gardner-Webb University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 80% at Shaw University. Shaw University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,512 a year against $17,674 at Gardner-Webb University. About 59% of students graduate at Gardner-Webb University, compared with 21% at Shaw University. Ten years after enrolling, Gardner-Webb University alumni earn a median of about $48,039, against $34,409 for Shaw University.

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boiling Springs, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
1,856
875
Acceptance rate
77%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
975–1198
770–958
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,674
$16,512
Full cost / yr
$47,091
$30,861
In-state tuition
$34,760
$17,538
Out-of-state tuition
$34,760
$17,538
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,304
$16,236
$30k - $48k
$14,594
$16,276
$48k - $75k
$13,769
$21,145
$75k - $110k
$15,946
Not reported
Over $110k
$22,438
$24,966
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
21%
Freshman retention
55%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,996
$26,148
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,039
$34,409
Median debt at graduation
$24,222
$32,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
66%
First-generation students
35%
40%
International students
0%
9%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Gardner-Webb University or Shaw University harder to get into?
Gardner-Webb University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 80% at Shaw 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, Gardner-Webb University or Shaw University?
Shaw University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,512 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 Gardner-Webb University and Shaw University?
Before aid, Shaw University costs about $30,861 a year and Gardner-Webb University about $47,091. 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 Shaw University?
Gardner-Webb University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,304 there, against about $16,236 at Shaw University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Gardner-Webb University or Shaw University?
Gardner-Webb University is the larger of the two, with about 1,856 undergraduates against 875 at Shaw University.
Does Gardner-Webb University or Shaw University have a better graduation rate?
Gardner-Webb University has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 21% at Shaw University.
Do graduates of Gardner-Webb University or Shaw University earn more?
Gardner-Webb University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,039 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,409 for Shaw University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Gardner-Webb University and Shaw University require SAT or ACT scores?
Gardner-Webb University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shaw University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Gardner-Webb University and Shaw University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 975–1198 at Gardner-Webb University and 770–958 at Shaw University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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