
110 South Main Street P.O. Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017, USA


Gardner-Webb University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation affirms that the university meets rigorous standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. Additionally, specific programs at the university have received specialized accreditation from professional bodies, ensuring that those fields meet industry standards and prepare students adequately for professional practice.
Gardner-Webb University requires applicants to have completed a secondary school program, and General Educational Development (GED) is accepted in lieu of a traditional high school diploma. Prospective students must provide their secondary school grade point average, class rank, and complete records as part of the application process. Additionally, letters of recommendation are required for admission.
The university mandates submission of TOEFL scores for applicants whose first language is not English, while other standardized tests are recommended but not required. Although Gardner-Webb does not have an open admission policy, it does not accept dual credit or transfer credits, but it does grant credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Regarding standardized test scores, approximately 13% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores while about 23% submitted ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1088, placing them in the lower 35th percentile nationally. The average ACT composite score is 21, in the bottom 25th percentile. The acceptance rate at Gardner-Webb University is high at 87%, reflecting a relatively accessible admission process.
Gardner-Webb University requires prospective undergraduate applicants to submit an application fee. The standard fee applies to most students submitting their materials for admission. However, the university provides options for fee waivers to eligible students, ensuring that application costs do not pose a barrier to candidates demonstrating financial need or participating in specific programs.
Applicants may qualify for a waiver if they meet certain criteria such as being involved in high school-sponsored college access programs or demonstrating economic hardship. The university encourages prospective students to inquire about the waiver process early in their application timeline to allow sufficient time for approval and documentation.
Fee waivers help support wider access and encourage a diverse applicant pool, aligning with Gardner-Webb University's commitment to accessibility and fairness in its admissions process.
Gardner-Webb University does not have an ROTC branch unit located directly on its campus. Additionally, there is no data available indicating the presence of an ROTC branch unit operating at a cooperating host institution affiliated with the university.
Gardner-Webb University welcomes transfer students and allows applications for the fall, spring, and summer terms. The university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams. Prospective transfer students should note that admission is considered moderately difficult, reflecting a selective but accessible process. Additionally, Gardner-Webb accepts recommendation letters as part of the application materials to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates.
Gardner-Webb University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic and cultural experiences of its students. These programs include faculty-led short-term trips and semester-long exchanges that allow students to immerse themselves in different global environments while earning academic credit. The university emphasizes programs that connect directly with students' major fields of study, ensuring these experiences complement their educational goals.
Students may participate in faculty-led programs that typically last a few weeks during academic breaks, offering guided exploration with professor oversight. These short-term programs often focus on specific themes such as international business, language immersion, or cultural studies. Additionally, semester-long study abroad options enable students to enroll in partner institutions overseas, providing extended exposure to different educational systems and local cultures.
Gardner-Webb University also promotes global awareness through service-learning opportunities integrated within some study abroad options, allowing students to contribute to local communities during their travels. While the university encourages interested students to explore various destinations, emphasis is placed on programs that offer academic rigor and cultural engagement aligned with Gardner-Webb's curriculum.
Median composite SAT score
1088Median composite ACT score
21Percent of students submitting ACT scores
23%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
13%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer