Acceptance Rate
77%
Avg. SAT
1198
75th percentile
“A small Christian university in North Carolina with a tight-knit community and a focus on personal growth.”
Boiling Springs, NC
Location
Rural
Campus Setting
Gardner-Webb University, nestled in the quiet town of Boiling Springs, North Carolina, began as a Baptist-affiliated school in 1905, originally named Boiling Springs High School before evolving into a junior college and eventually a four-year university by 1993. Its roots in faith and service still shape its mission, emphasizing character development alongside academics, which resonates deeply with students seeking a values-driven education. The campus, surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a peaceful retreat from urban bustle, ideal for reflection and focus.
This isn’t a place for everyone, though. If you thrive in fast-paced, big-city environments or crave a sprawling campus with endless anonymity, Gardner-Webb’s small size—around 2,700 undergraduates—and rural setting might feel limiting. It’s best suited for students who value close connections with peers and professors, and who are comfortable with a strong Christian influence in campus life, even if they don’t share the same beliefs.
Boiling Springs itself is a tiny town, with a population under 5,000, so don’t expect vibrant nightlife or a bustling downtown right outside the gates. Instead, you’ll find a serene, small-town charm, with nearby Shelby offering a bit more in terms of shopping and dining. The university acts as the heartbeat of the area, and students often become woven into the local fabric through community service and outreach, a hallmark of Gardner-Webb’s ethos.
Photo Gallery
+13
+5
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Gardner-Webb prides itself on a personalized academic experience, where you’re more than just a face in a crowded lecture hall. The university shines in fields like nursing, education, and business, with its School of Nursing often praised for preparing compassionate, skilled professionals through hands-on clinical training. You can expect smaller classes in most programs, fostering direct interaction with faculty who are invested in mentoring as much as teaching, though some introductory courses might still feel a bit broad and impersonal.
Research opportunities exist, especially in the sciences and health-related fields, but they’re not as extensive as at larger institutions, so if you’re set on cutting-edge labs or massive grant-funded projects, you might need to look elsewhere. The university also offers a unique focus on integrating faith and learning across disciplines, which can enrich discussions in humanities or social sciences but might not appeal to students seeking a strictly secular approach. Competitive programs like nursing can be challenging to enter due to high demand, so early planning and strong grades are key to securing your spot.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,861 undergrad • 1,243 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
White
48%
Black / African American
25%
Hispanic / Latino
3%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
22%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Boiling Springs, NC
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Gardner-Webb revolves around community, with a strong emphasis on building relationships that last beyond graduation. You’ll find a calendar packed with events like chapel services, which are a central part of the university’s spiritual focus, alongside more casual traditions such as homecoming celebrations and student-led service projects. The social scene leans toward wholesome activities—think movie nights, intramural sports, and faith-based groups—rather than a heavy party culture, which might disappoint those looking for a more lively nightlife.
Most students live on campus, especially in their first couple of years, creating a close-knit residential vibe where you’re likely to know your neighbors well. The weather in Boiling Springs can be a mixed bag, with mild winters but humid summers that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to the South’s sticky heat. While the cost of living in the area is relatively low compared to urban centers, the rural location means limited off-campus entertainment, so much of your social life will likely unfold within Gardner-Webb’s welcoming, if somewhat insular, bubble.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Big South Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$17,242
$30K – $48K
$17,558
$48K – $75K
$17,605
$75K – $110K
$23,359
$110K+
$24,507
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
55%
4 Years Graduation Rate
33%
6 Years Graduation Rate
43%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$48,039
55% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Gardner-Webb University and return in the fall. 33% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 43% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
33%
4-5 years
10%
6-8 years
16%
Non-grad
41%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$31,220
Acceptance
77%
Undergrads
1,861
4-Year Grad Rate
33%
Endowment
$71M
Boiling Springs, NC 28017-0997