Private not-for-profit

Small

Big South Conference

Gardner-Webb University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1020 to 1210

ACT Range19 to 25

Average GPA3.74

Acceptance Rate77.2%

Gardner-Webb is accessible, but the 3.74 average GPA shows admission still favors students with steady classroom performance. Since it is test-optional, use scores strategically: submit if you are near the top of the middle range, around a 1210 SAT or 25 ACT.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Gardner-Webb University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Gardner-Webb University enrolls about 1,861 undergraduates in a rural campus setting. Gardner-Webb has a freshman retention rate of 55% and a 6-year graduation rate of 54%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.

Location

Boiling Springs, NC

Undergrad Enrollment1,861

Freshman Retention55%

SettingRural

Student to Faculty Ratio12:1

Graduation Rate54%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Gardner-Webb?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key Gardner-Webb University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to Gardner-Webb, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year so summer and fall can be used for superscore-focused retakes. Since Gardner-Webb does not offer Early Action or Early Decision, use its Regular Decision timeline as your guide and plan on an October retake as the last fall test most likely to arrive in time.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Gardner-Webb University?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

What you'll actually pay

Gardner-Webb is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $34,920. About 54% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $27,983. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Tuition and Fees$34,920

Room and Board$11,410

Average Merit Award$27,983

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid54%

Average Aid Package$32,863

Average Debt at Grad$31,946

Gardner-Webb’s tuition, fees, room, and board total $46,330 before aid. About 54% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $32,863. Merit aid is a major factor, with an average merit award of $27,983 and Ignite Excellence Full Tuition Scholarships listed at $33,770. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $31,946.