Gardner-Webb University vs Western Carolina University
Gardner-Webb University is a private university in Boiling Springs, NC. Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, NC. Gardner-Webb University admits about 77% of applicants and Western Carolina University about 82%, making Gardner-Webb University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,315 a year at Western Carolina University after aid, and about $17,674 at Gardner-Webb University. About 60% of students graduate at Western Carolina University, compared with 59% at Gardner-Webb University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Carolina University alumni earn a median of about $49,458, against $48,039 for Gardner-Webb University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Boiling Springs, NC
Cullowhee, NC
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,856
10,024
Acceptance rate
77%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
975–1198
1080–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,674
$13,315
Full cost / yr
$47,091
$19,992
In-state tuition
$34,760
$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
$34,760
$8,630
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,304
$8,816
$30k - $48k
$14,594
$10,012
$48k - $75k
$13,769
$12,605
$75k - $110k
$15,946
$17,060
Over $110k
$22,438
$17,992
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
60%
Freshman retention
55%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,996
$43,085
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,039
$49,458
Median debt at graduation
$24,222
$21,868
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
35%
First-generation students
35%
33%
International students
0%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1
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 Western Carolina University harder to get into?
- Gardner-Webb University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 82% at Western Carolina 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 Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,315 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 Western Carolina University?
- Before aid, Western Carolina University costs about $19,992 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 Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,816 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, Gardner-Webb University or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is the larger of the two, with about 10,024 undergraduates against 1,856 at Gardner-Webb University.
- Does Gardner-Webb University or Western Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Carolina University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 59% at Gardner-Webb University.
- Do graduates of Gardner-Webb University or Western Carolina University earn more?
- Western Carolina University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,458 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,039 for Gardner-Webb University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Gardner-Webb University and Western Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Gardner-Webb University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Gardner-Webb University and Western Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 975–1198 at Gardner-Webb University and 1080–1270 at Western Carolina 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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