Gardner-Webb University's greatest strength lies in its nursing and healthcare programs, which consistently produce graduates earning well above the institutional average.
The university combines this academic excellence with strong financial stewardship, as evidenced by zero loan defaults and successful debt repayment patterns among graduates.
Gardner-Webb University is a small private nonprofit institution in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, serving about 2,600 students in a close-knit campus environment. As a Christian university, Gardner-Webb emphasizes both academic preparation and personal development, with particularly strong programs in nursing and healthcare fields that drive much of the institution's career outcomes.
The university falls into the "Opportunity Builders" category for economic mobility, meaning it provides meaningful access for students from diverse backgrounds while working to improve long-term outcomes. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants and 35% are first-generation college students, reflecting Gardner-Webb's commitment to serving students who might not otherwise attend a private university. The institution maintains a 62% six-year graduation rate, which is solid for its student population.
Gardner-Webb's financial outcomes vary considerably by program choice. While graduates earn a median of $48,039 ten years after enrollment, this figure masks significant variation between high-performing programs like nursing, which produces strong earnings, and other fields that show more modest returns. For families considering Gardner-Webb, program selection becomes particularly important given the private tuition investment and the need to ensure strong career preparation in chosen fields.
Gardner-Webb University's program portfolio is anchored by strong nursing and healthcare offerings that drive the institution's best career outcomes. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest high-return program and the university's flagship offering, graduating 78 students annually with median earnings of $59,640. This program represents Gardner-Webb's core strength in healthcare education and reflects the institution's established relationships with regional medical facilities and healthcare employers.
Beyond nursing, the university offers solid preparation in business and applied fields. Accounting Technology graduates earn around $47,260, demonstrating the value of focused professional preparation in high-demand business functions. Applied Behavior Analysis, while producing more modest early-career earnings at $28,779, serves students interested in psychology and social services, though many graduates in this field pursue additional education to advance their careers.
The pattern across Gardner-Webb's top programs emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than broad liberal arts preparation. Students considering the university should align their interests with programs that have demonstrated track records of graduate success, particularly in healthcare and professional fields where Gardner-Webb has built strong industry connections. The university's small size allows for personalized attention and hands-on learning experiences that benefit students in these applied fields.
Gardner-Webb University graduates earn a median of $48,039 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the middle of the national distribution for long-term earnings. However, this overall figure obscures meaningful differences across programs, with nursing and healthcare fields significantly outperforming other majors in terms of career outcomes and earning potential.
The strongest returns come from Gardner-Webb's nursing programs, which represent the institution's flagship offering. Adult Health Nursing graduates, the largest high-return program with 78 graduates, earn a median of $59,640 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the quality of Gardner-Webb's clinical preparation. Accounting Technology graduates also perform well, earning around $47,260, while Applied Behavior Analysis majors see more modest outcomes at $28,779, though this field often requires additional graduate education for full career development.
For students considering Gardner-Webb, program choice becomes particularly critical given the private tuition investment. The university's nursing and healthcare programs consistently deliver strong career preparation and earnings outcomes, while other programs may require more careful evaluation of career pathways and return on investment. Students should align their academic interests with programs that have demonstrated track records of graduate success in the job market.
Gardner-Webb University's affordability varies significantly by family income, with the institution offering its strongest value proposition for middle-income families. Middle-income students pay an average net price of $19,334 annually, which is competitive for a private university and represents substantial institutional aid. Low-income students face higher costs at $21,744 per year, while high-income families pay $27,952, reflecting a pricing structure that provides the most support for middle-class families.
Debt levels at Gardner-Webb are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $24,222 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,918. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are generally able to service their educational debt successfully. Most borrowers make steady progress on loan repayment, with the university performing above national averages for both balance reduction and borrower success in the early years after graduation.
The key affordability consideration for families is ensuring that program choice aligns with career earning potential. Given Gardner-Webb's private tuition structure, students in high-return programs like nursing can justify the investment more easily than those in fields with more modest earning trajectories. Families should carefully evaluate the total cost of attendance against expected career outcomes in their chosen field of study.
Gardner-Webb University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
