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


Gardner-Webb University supports a variety of varsity athletic teams competing primarily in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference. The university fields men's teams in sports including basketball, baseball, football, golf, and cross country, while women's teams participate in basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, and golf. Athletic facilities include a football stadium, baseball and softball fields, and a gymnasium that accommodates basketball and volleyball games.
The university emphasizes not only competitive athletics but also the development of student-athletes through academic support and leadership opportunities. Students interested in joining teams can expect structured training programs and access to experienced coaching staff across all sports. Gardner-Webb promotes a balanced collegiate experience by encouraging involvement both on the field and in the classroom, aiming to foster discipline, teamwork, and personal growth among its athletes.
Gardner-Webb University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to a range of interests. Among these are Campus Ministries United, which provides opportunities for students to engage in faith-based activities, and the Student Government Association, which plays a key role in representing the student body and organizing campus events. The Dawg Pound serves as a spirited community for students who wish to support university athletics and foster school pride. Additionally, the Honors Student Association offers a platform for academically motivated students to collaborate and enhance their educational experience.
International students can find a welcoming community through the International Club, which facilitates cultural exchange and support among students from diverse backgrounds. In total, there are 633 men and 945 women students who may participate in these groups, although specific membership percentages are not provided.
Gardner-Webb University enrolls a diverse population of students, with a total student body age distribution spanning from below 18 to above 65 years old. The undergraduate population mainly consists of younger students, especially between ages 18 and 21, with 542 students aged 18-19 and 590 aged 20-21. The graduate student group tends to be older, with significant numbers in the 40-49 age bracket (361 students) and 50-64 age bracket (236 students), reflecting a mature graduate student demographic.
First-year freshmen at Gardner-Webb number 411, placing the university in the lower 40th percentile nationally for freshman enrollment size. Transfer students total 243, which is similarly average and in the bottom 45 percentile. Overall, the combined freshman and transfer enrollment ranks in the bottom 40 percent among comparable institutions.
The ethnic composition of the student body is moderately varied, with the largest reported groups being White students (915), African American students (290), and a notable Hispanic population (74). Other racial groups include Native students (10), Asian students (18), and Pacific Islander students (3). A significant portion of students-486 individuals-are categorized as unknown ethnicity, a figure that is unusually high and ranks in the top 25 percent nationally.
The university's student age range and ethnic diversity suggest an institution that appeals to both younger traditional undergraduates and older graduate learners, as well as a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, the size of incoming classes and demographic proportions are generally on the smaller or lower side compared to many other universities, which may influence the campus community experience for prospective students.
Student life at Gardner-Webb University includes a variety of cultural and extracurricular opportunities. The campus supports a newspaper, drama productions, radio programming, a band, and a chorus, providing students with multiple avenues for creative expression and involvement. While the university does not have a campus television station, these other activities contribute to a vibrant campus atmosphere.
Support services for students include psychological counseling and a veterans affairs office, catering to mental health and veteran-specific needs. However, there are no on-campus health clinics, legal services, or women's centers available.
Gardner-Webb University offers students access to two libraries, including its main facility, Dover Memorial Library. The number of libraries and additional library facilities available is around average compared to other institutions, positioning Gardner-Webb in the top half nationally in terms of campus library availability.
Students can benefit from both physical and digital library resources, with the university providing access to a notably large collection of ebooks, which ranks highly within the top 30% nationally. Although the total number of physical books and subscriptions is average to below average-placing Gardner-Webb in the lower 40% nationally-its substantial digital subscriptions offer a broader range of accessible academic content.
The library infrastructure supports research and study with trained staff and access to shared collections, ensuring that students have support for their academic needs. Available databases number 162, which is average compared to peer schools, giving a moderate level of scholarly resources.
Total enrollment
3125Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
411Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
436 full time, 172 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Dover Memorial LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes