Gardner-Webb University (GWU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Gardner-Webb University
Set in the Carolina foothills, this is the kind of campus where morning quiet meets game-day buzz on the quad. Gardner-Webb is known for a liberal-arts core tied to strong professional study, with hands-on learning in business, education, health fields, and the arts and sciences. Students use well-equipped labs and studios, a bright library, an active student center, and fitness and athletic facilities. Support includes advising, tutoring, counseling, and career coaching.
Campus life leans friendly and values-centered, with service projects, often faith minded gatherings, clubs, music, theater, and plenty of intramurals. Trails, rivers, and nearby small towns bring quick outdoor escapes and real community connections. Internships and clinical-style experiences tie students to regional schools, clinics, nonprofits, and businesses, and alumni across the Carolinas help keep doors open. And yes, Runnin' Bulldogs pride shows up loudly at home games and quietly in everyday kindness.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Gardner-Webb University (GWU) offers 49 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 977 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (8 programs, 234 graduates), Business (7 programs, 225 graduates), Health (6 programs, 187 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 68 graduates) and Biological Sciences (2 programs, 44 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Education (8 programs, 234 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 137 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Elementary Education | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 31 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0301 |
| Instructional Technology | 13 |
|
Master's
|
13.0501 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 10 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
| Kindergarten and Preschool Education | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1209 |
| Music Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
Business (7 programs, 225 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 141 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| Organizational Leadership | 13 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
52.0213 |
| Finance, General | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Marketing | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
Post-Master's
|
52.1499 |
| International Business and Trade | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.1101 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 1 |
|
Post-Master's
|
52.1099 |
Health (6 programs, 187 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 111 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
51.3801 |
| Physician Assistant | 33 |
|
Master's
|
51.0912 |
| Family Practice Nursing | 19 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
|
51.3805 |
| Mental Health Counseling | 12 |
|
Master's
|
51.1508 |
| Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | 7 |
|
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
51.3810 |
| Health Administration and Management | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0701 |
Psychology (2 programs, 68 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Psychology | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2802 |
| General Psychology | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 44 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.0908 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 42 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Management | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0504 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0501 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 28 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0103 |
Public Services (1 programs, 28 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | 28 |
|
Master's
|
44.0401 |
Languages (3 programs, 19 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.1603 |
| Foreign Languages and Literatures | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0101 |
| Spanish Language and Literature | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0905 |
Communication (2 programs, 17 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0199 |
| Journalism | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0401 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Gardner-Webb University (GWU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Gardner-Webb University (GWU)
How much does it cost to attend Gardner-Webb University (GWU)?
The annual tuition at Gardner-Webb University (GWU) is $33,450 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $47,620 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,770 (on) / $5,700 (off) and books and supplies $1,000.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Gardner-Webb University offer?
Gardner-Webb University (GWU) offers 49 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research).
Most popular program areas include:
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (8 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (7 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Gardner-Webb University?
Gardner-Webb University (GWU) has an 87% acceptance rate and a 10.1% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 4,670
- Students admitted: 4,064
- Students enrolled: 411
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Gardner-Webb University?
Gardner-Webb University (GWU) provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $24,762 and average loans of $7,203.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,383
- State/Local grants: $6,176
- Institutional grants: $20,279
- Federal loans: $5,157
The university supports 400 students with grants and 362 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Gardner-Webb University graduates?
Gardner-Webb University (GWU) graduates earn a median salary of $43,996 after 6 years and $48,039 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $33,281 (25th percentile) to $70,715 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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