Gardner-Webb University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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.
⬡ LangSmith03ba10aa-c5e3-4f36-a862-96e6b5dad5c0Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Gardner-Webb University facts and stats
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.
⬡ LangSmith3e2ac8f6-fcbd-4fb4-8306-facdb8c57b7bBoiling Springs, NC
How do your scores compare at Gardner-Webb?
Key Gardner-Webb University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
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
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
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.
⬡ LangSmith4c5d6732-1655-4bfc-b6ba-2e019a149181Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Gardner-Webb University?
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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.
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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.
⬡ LangSmith3ba11f32-a117-4656-86fc-58be5617fb16Student life at Gardner-Webb University
51% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, TXAcceptance rate: 88.8%
SAT: 980–1210
ACT: 20–26
Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, TXAcceptance rate: 86.2%
SAT: 1003–1180
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Chowan University
Murfreesboro, NCAcceptance rate: 68.8%
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Mars Hill University
Mars Hill, NCAcceptance rate: 68.2%
SAT: 910–1130
ACT: 20–26

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