Gardner-Webb University, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, is a private Christian university known for its commitment to academic excellence and community service. Established in 1905, the university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education. Gardner-Webb's mission is to provide a holistic education that nurtures both the mind and the spirit, reflected in its motto, "For God and Humanity." This guiding principle fosters a sense of purpose among students, encouraging them to engage in ethical leadership and service-oriented careers.

The campus is characterized by its picturesque setting and state-of-the-art facilities, including the Paul Porter Arena and the Tucker Student Center, which enhance student life and promote a vibrant community atmosphere. Gardner-Webb University also boasts a strong athletic program, competing in NCAA Division I sports, which fosters school spirit and camaraderie among students. The university prides itself on its dedicated faculty, who are not only experts in their respective fields but also deeply invested in the personal and academic growth of their students. As a result, Gardner-Webb graduates are well-prepared for successful careers and often find employment in various sectors, contributing positively to society. Overall, Gardner-Webb University offers a nurturing environment that emphasizes both academic rigor and moral development, making it a distinctive choice for higher education.

Analysis of Key Data Points at Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University, a private institution, has experienced notable changes in various metrics over the years, particularly in tuition fees, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.

Firstly, the tuition fees have shown a steady increase. For in-state undergraduate students, the tuition rose from approximately $25,830 in 2014 to $33,450 by 2024, representing a significant jump of around 29.5%. This upward trend in tuition reflects a broader pattern seen across many private institutions, where rising operational costs and decreased state funding often lead to higher fees for students.

In terms of student enrollment, the university has seen a decline in both undergraduate and graduate student numbers. From a peak of 2,710 undergraduate students in 2015, the number decreased to 1,812 by 2023, a drop of roughly 33.1%. This trend may indicate challenges in attracting new students or retention issues, which could be linked to the rising costs of education and changing demographic trends.

Graduation rates also present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates peaked at 48.9% in 2022 but fell to 45.2% in 2023. This fluctuation may suggest areas for improvement in academic support and student engagement, as higher graduation rates are often tied to the institution's overall effectiveness in fostering student success.

Retention rates have fluctuated over the years, with a notable decline to 59.4% in 2022, followed by a slight recovery to 66.2% in 2023. This inconsistency raises concerns about student satisfaction and the university's ability to maintain a supportive educational environment.

Overall, while Gardner-Webb University continues to navigate the challenges of rising tuition and fluctuating enrollment, the institution must focus on improving student outcomes to enhance its reputation and attract prospective students in a competitive higher education landscape.

Analysis of Graduate Degree Trends at Gardner-Webb University

The graduation data from Gardner-Webb University for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends in degree completions across various disciplines. Notably, health-related programs such as Physician Assistant and Nursing show a significant focus, with the latter producing a total of 13 graduates. This aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals in a post-pandemic world, reflecting broader national trends where healthcare fields have become increasingly critical.

In the realm of education, various disciplines such as Educational Leadership and Administration, and Elementary Education produced no bachelor's graduates but had several master's and doctorate degrees awarded. This indicates a shift towards advanced degrees in education, perhaps driven by the need for higher qualifications and specialized training to meet contemporary educational challenges.

Interestingly, the data also highlights a complete absence of international students graduating in several categories, particularly in bachelor's and master's programs. This could suggest potential barriers for international students, possibly due to visa restrictions or other factors affecting their ability to enroll or complete programs.

On the other hand, the social sciences and humanities fields, like Sociology and English Language and Literature, produced modest numbers of graduates. These fields seem to be experiencing a decline in popularity compared to career-oriented programs, potentially driven by the current job market's focus on technical and healthcare-related skills.

Overall, Gardner-Webb University’s graduation statistics reflect national trends in higher education, where healthcare, advanced educational degrees, and technical fields are increasingly prioritized, while traditional liberal arts programs may be facing challenges in attracting students. This evolution may have implications for future curriculum development and recruitment strategies at the university.

Trends in Admission Rates and Rankings at Gardner-Webb University

The data reveals a notable trend in both the admission rates and rankings of Gardner-Webb University over the years. Starting from 2019, the university's ranking has shown a steady decline, dropping from 230th to 388th by 2025. This downward trajectory raises questions about the factors contributing to this decline and how it might affect prospective students' perception of the institution. In terms of admission rates, there has been significant fluctuation, particularly for male students, where the acceptance rate varied from as high as 86.1% in 2013 to 37.1% in 2010. The female admission rates also showed variability but remained more stable, averaging around 50% over the years. The most recent data from 2023 indicates acceptance rates of 74.5% for males and 75.3% for females, suggesting a more favorable admission environment in recent years. Moreover, the enrollment numbers have also fluctuated, with the highest recorded enrollment of 494 students in 2013, while more recent years have seen lower enrollment figures, such as 403 in 2023. The number of applicants denied admission has often exceeded the number enrolled, pointing to a competitive landscape, albeit with varying levels of competition across years. As higher education continues to evolve, factors such as changing demographics, economic conditions, and institutional priorities will likely play a crucial role in influencing both admission strategies and university rankings. Gardner-Webb University must address these challenges to improve its standing and attract a diverse student body in the coming years.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Gardner-Webb University

The data from Gardner-Webb University reveals notable trends in standardized test scores and submission rates from 2007 to 2023. Over the years, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated significantly, peaking at 100% in 2012 and dropping to just 16% in 2023. This decline reflects a broader trend in higher education where many institutions have shifted towards test-optional admissions policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores.

Examining the scores, the 25th and 75th percentile ranges for the SAT reading and math sections have shown some variability. For instance, the 25th percentile for SAT reading started at 450 in 2007, and by 2023, it increased to 520, indicating a general upward trend in the academic preparedness of admitted students. However, this increase in scores is juxtaposed against declining submission rates, which raises questions about the changing dynamics of college admissions and the value placed on standardized testing.

The ACT scores have also been recorded during this period, but similar to the SAT, the number of submissions has decreased, reflecting a growing trend of students opting out of standardized tests. This trend could be further influenced by ongoing discussions in the media about equity and access in education, as well as the pandemic's impact on standardized testing.

Overall, Gardner-Webb University's data indicates a significant shift in the landscape of college admissions, with an apparent move towards more holistic evaluation methods that may prioritize other aspects of student applications over traditional test scores. This evolution will likely continue to shape the future of higher education admissions.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Gardner-Webb University in 2023

In the academic year 2023, Gardner-Webb University showcases a diverse student body, with a notable representation of both undergraduate and graduate students. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 403 students, with a gender distribution leaning slightly towards females, comprising 53.6% of the cohort. This trend of higher female enrollment continues through the undergraduate juniors, where there are 1,167 students, with females making up an impressive 65.7% of the population.

The transfer student demographic also reflects this pattern, as females represent 75.9% of the 241 transfer students, indicating a strong preference among women for pursuing education at Gardner-Webb. In contrast, the graduate student population consists of 1,332 individuals, with 72.2% being female, further emphasizing the university's appeal to women across various levels of education.

The data also highlights the racial and ethnic composition of the student body, with a significant number of students identifying as White. However, detailed statistics on the ethnic breakdown are limited. This demographic information is crucial for understanding trends in higher education and can provide insights into the university’s recruitment strategies.

Overall, Gardner-Webb University appears to be fostering an inclusive environment, particularly for female students, which is an encouraging sign for future educational initiatives and outreach programs. The university's focus on attracting a diverse student population may also play a critical role in shaping its academic community and enriching the learning experience for all students.

Analysis of Age Composition at Gardner-Webb University in 2023

The age composition data from Gardner-Webb University in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding its student demographics. The largest age group is comprised of students aged 18-21, with a significant number of both male and female undergraduate students. Specifically, there are 244 male and 304 female students aged 18-19, and 251 male and 339 female students aged 20-21. This indicates that the university attracts a substantial number of traditional college-age students, a trend seen across many universities in the United States.

As we move to older age brackets, the number of students declines, particularly among undergraduates. For instance, only 127 male and 199 female students fall into the 22-24 age group, with further reductions noted in subsequent age ranges. The 25-29 age group shows a noticeable increase in graduate students, indicating that older students are more likely to pursue advanced degrees, with 73 males and 160 females enrolled in graduate programs. This shift may reflect the growing trend of individuals returning to education later in life or seeking advanced qualifications to enhance their careers.

Additionally, the data highlights a more diverse age range among graduate students, with notable numbers in the 30-34 and 35-39 brackets. The presence of students aged 40-49, and even those over 65, signifies that Gardner-Webb University is accommodating lifelong learners, positioning itself as an inclusive institution that supports education across all life stages.

Overall, the age composition at Gardner-Webb University illustrates a dynamic educational environment that caters to both traditional students and non-traditional learners, reflecting broader trends in higher education.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Gardner-Webb University

The data from Gardner-Webb University reveals significant fluctuations in the enrollment of international students over the years, particularly among undergraduate and graduate programs. In the early years, such as 2004, the percentage of international students in undergraduate programs was a mere 0.07%. However, by 2013, this figure surged to 1.61%, indicating a growing interest among international students in studying at this institution.

The graduate programs show a similarly dynamic trend. In 2004, the percentage of international students was 0.32%, but it dramatically increased to 1.02% by 2015. This suggests that Gardner-Webb University has become increasingly attractive to international graduate students, potentially due to its academic offerings and support services.

However, the data also highlights a concerning decline in total enrollment figures in recent years. For instance, from 2016 to 2023, both undergraduate and graduate student numbers decreased, with a notable drop in the total undergraduate population from 2636 to 1812. This decline may reflect broader trends in higher education, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing immigration policies, which have affected international student mobility.

Overall, while there have been periods of growth in international student enrollment, the recent downward trend necessitates a strategic response from Gardner-Webb University to enhance its appeal and support for international students, ensuring a vibrant and diverse campus community.

Here are some notable institutions surrounding Gardner-Webb University:

1. Duke University - Ranked 6th in the 2025 US News, Duke University is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Known for its strong programs in law, business, and medicine, it offers a vibrant campus life and exceptional academic resources.

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - This public research university, ranked 27th, is one of the oldest in the United States. It is renowned for its commitment to public service, research, and academic excellence across various disciplines.

3. Clemson University - With a ranking of 80, Clemson University is a public research university that emphasizes engineering, agriculture, and the sciences. It has a strong athletic program and a picturesque campus located in Clemson, South Carolina.

4. Wake Forest University - Ranked 46th, Wake Forest is a private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for its small class sizes and rigorous academics, particularly in business and law.

5. Furman University - This liberal arts college, ranked 45th, offers a personalized education with small class sizes and an emphasis on undergraduate research and internships.

6. Davidson College - Positioned at 14th, Davidson is a highly selective liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs and commitment to developing leaders of character.

These institutions provide a diverse range of academic opportunities and are known for their excellence in education.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Gardner-Webb University

The crime statistics from Gardner-Webb University over the years reveal a fluctuating trend in campus safety. Notably, the average crime rate per 1000 students peaked in 2018 at 11.05, indicating a significant concern for campus safety during that year. This spike coincides with a broader nationwide trend in increased campus crime rates, particularly concerning drug-related offenses and alcohol abuse, which have been prevalent issues in universities across the United States.

In the subsequent years, there seems to be a general decline in reported crimes, with the average crime rate dropping to 4.88 in 2022, suggesting that initiatives aimed at improving campus safety may be having a positive effect. However, the year 2023 saw a slight increase to 9.16, which raises questions about the sustainability of these safety measures.

The data specifically highlights various types of offenses, such as gun-related arrests and drug-related incidents, which are critical for understanding the nature of crime on campus. Given the current societal concerns surrounding gun violence and drug abuse, universities must continually adapt their safety policies and educational programs to mitigate these issues effectively.

Moreover, the prevalence of non-campus offenses, such as dating violence and stalking, underscores the importance of comprehensive support systems for students. It is vital for institutions to foster an environment where students feel safe and supported.

In conclusion, while Gardner-Webb University has seen improvements in crime rates, ongoing vigilance and proactive measures are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. For more information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.