Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Gardner-Webb University at a Glance
Gardner–Webb University (GWU) is a private Baptist university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, United States. It was founded as Boiling Springs High School in 1905. Gardner–Webb is classified as a Doctoral/Professional university.
1905
121 years old
$80M
$79.7 million
3,124
Identity
Is Gardner-Webb University Worth It?
Gardner-Webb University offers moderate value at $17,674/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $48,039, which is 11% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $24,222 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How Gardner-Webb University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #20 of 163 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #5 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #6 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #20 | Gardner-Webb University | 40 | $17,674 | $48,039 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Gardner-Webb University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 11 in NC.
Best Programs at Gardner-Webb University
The highest-earning program at Gardner-Webb University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $24,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Gardner-Webb University earns $59,100, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $24,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,495 in median debt vs. $26,125 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,674/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,100 | $59,100 | $22,495 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $43,400 | $43,400 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,200 | $33,200 | $23,611 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,200 | $29,200 | $23,342 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $28,700 | $28,700 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $25,100 | $25,100 | $25,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $24,900 | $24,900 | $26,125 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Boiling Springs, NC
- Student Body
- 1,856 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,674
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,039
- Median Student Debt
- $24,222