Gardner-Webb University, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, is a private Christian university known for its vibrant campus culture and commitment to academic excellence. Founded in 1905, the university has grown both in size and scope, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields such as business, education, health sciences, and theology. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Gardner-Webb prides itself on providing personalized attention and support to its students, fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal development.

The university’s mission is informed by its Christian values, as reflected in its motto, "For the Glory of God," which emphasizes moral and ethical development alongside academic pursuits. Gardner-Webb encourages community engagement and has a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations and activities that promote leadership and social responsibility. Additionally, the university is recognized for its commitment to athletics, competing in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference, which provides student-athletes with the opportunity to excel both academically and in sports. Overall, Gardner-Webb University embodies a commitment to producing well-rounded graduates who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.

Observations on Key Data Trends at Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University has experienced notable changes in several crucial metrics over the years, particularly in tuition rates, student enrollment, and graduation rates. One of the most striking trends is the increase in undergraduate tuition, which has risen from approximately $25,830 in 2014 to $33,450 by 2024, representing a growth of about 30% over the decade. This increase poses considerable implications for students and families, especially given the context of rising student debt in the United States.

Simultaneously, there has been a concerning decline in student enrollment. The undergraduate population dropped from 2,587 in 2014 to just 1,840 in 2024. This decrease of nearly 29% could be reflective of the increasing financial burden on students, the competitive landscape of higher education institutions, or even shifts in demographic trends. Such a reduction in student numbers may lead to financial challenges for the university, as tuition revenue is a significant source of funding.

Moreover, the graduation rates have displayed variability, with the on-time graduation rate peaking at around 49% in 2022, yet falling back to approximately 36% by 2024. This fluctuation in graduation rates raises concerns about the support systems available to students and the overall academic environment at the institution. Stability in these rates is essential for maintaining a positive reputation and attracting new students.

Additionally, the retention rate, which indicates the percentage of students who continue their studies from one year to the next, has also experienced fluctuations, peaking at about 77% in 2019 but declining to about 66% in 2023. This highlights a potential issue in student satisfaction or engagement, warranting further attention from administration to enhance the university experience and ultimately support consistent enrollment numbers.

In summary, while Gardner-Webb University has made strides in specific areas such as graduation and retention, the overall landscape illustrates a need for strategic adjustments to address tuition hikes and declining enrollment figures, fostering an environment conducive to academic success.

Insights on Graduation Trends at Gardner-Webb University in 2023

The graduation data from Gardner-Webb University for 2023 reveals notable trends in various fields of study. In higher education, the number of master's degree graduates, particularly in the health and business sectors, illustrates a growing interest in professional and applied fields. The Physician Assistant program stands out with 32 graduates, emphasizing the strong need for healthcare professionals amidst ongoing public health challenges. Similarly, the Organizational Leadership master's program, which produced 26 graduates, points to the increasing demand for skilled leaders in diverse industries.

The data also highlights the substantial focus on education programs, with multiple areas such as Elementary Education and Teaching showing a significant number of graduates. This aligns with the nationwide teacher shortage, suggesting that Gardner-Webb's commitment to educational programs is timely and essential.

On the downside, there is a stark lack of representation among international students in most programs, indicating potential barriers to entry for non-residents. Despite some fields like Master’s in Business and International Trade having demand, international figures remain negligible.

Lastly, it is noteworthy that specialized areas like Counseling and Mental Health also show promising outputs, reflecting the heightened societal awareness around mental health issues. Overall, Gardner-Webb University’s data indicates a solid alignment with labor market needs, though the institution may benefit from broadening its outreach to attract a more diverse student body. This improvement could enhance the academic experience and global perspectives within the university community.

Commentary on Admission Trends at Gardner-Webb University

The admission trends at Gardner-Webb University present an intriguing narrative over the years. Notably, the latest ranking for the university in 2025 stands at 388, reflecting a significant decline from its previous ranking and highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining its academic reputation. Looking back, the acceptance rates for male applicants have shown considerable fluctuation, peaking at approximately 86% in 2013 before experiencing a decline. Conversely, female applicants have maintained a higher acceptance rate on average, with rates hovering around 45% to 88% over the years. This discrepancy hints at possible shifts in admissions strategies or demographics, which could be an area for further investigation. The enrollment numbers also indicate fluctuations—though not catastrophic, there is a discernible trend of decreasing enrollment. For instance, in 2018, the university welcomed 381 new students, a stark contrast to earlier years where enrollment was considerably higher, such as in 2013 when it reached 494. Moreover, the number of students denied and deferred further illustrates the competitive nature of admissions. With the total number of denials occasionally soaring above 2,000, the university faces continuously increasing competition from other institutions. As education continues to evolve with economic and societal changes, Gardner-Webb must critically assess its admissions processes, student services, and overall strategic positioning to reverse what appears to be a downward trend. This will be crucial for attracting prospective students in a competitive landscape.

Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Gardner-Webb University

The admission test scores at Gardner-Webb University over the years present an intriguing picture of evolving academic standards and student preparedness. From 2007 to 2024, we see notable fluctuations in both test score ranges and the percentage of applicants submitting standardized test scores such as the SAT and ACT.

Notably, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has varied significantly, peaking at 100% in 2012 but dropping to a mere 13% in 2024. This dramatic decline may reflect a broader trend in higher education where institutions are increasingly adopting test-optional policies, consequently leading to a decrease in standardized test submission rates.

Looking at the score ranges, there has been a consistent pattern where the lower quartile remains relatively stable, while the upper quartile has shown noticeable improvement over the years, with the highest upper quartile reaching 640 in 2024 for the SAT. This could indicate an increase in the overall caliber of incoming students or improvements in preparatory education.

It is also important to highlight that while the number of students taking standardized tests has decreased, the university's commitment to maintaining rigorous standards is evident through the rising upper score limits. This trend aligns with national developments in higher education, where institutions are increasingly focusing on holistic admissions processes that consider various factors beyond standardized testing.

Overall, the data suggests that Gardner-Webb University is adapting to changing educational norms while striving to maintain high academic standards among its student body. Future implications for admission strategies may involve a continued emphasis on diverse evaluation metrics that better capture the skills and potential of prospective students.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Gardner-Webb University for 2024

The student composition data from Gardner-Webb University for the year 2024 reveals intriguing insights about the demographics of the university's population. With an overall enrollment of 3,125 students, the university maintains a diverse community, consisting mainly of undergraduate freshmen, continuing undergraduates, transfer students, and graduate students.

Among the total, undergraduate freshmen represent 411 students, with a gender distribution leaning slightly towards females, who account for 54.5% of this group. This pattern continues across other categories; undergraduate seniors show a more pronounced female majority at 65.1% among 1,182 students, while graduate students also reflect a similar trend with 71.5% being female among 1,285 students. The lower percentage of male students across these categories could indicate broader trends in higher education where female enrollment has generally outpaced male enrollment in recent years.

The demographic breakdown reveals a significant presence of white students in each group, particularly among continuing undergraduates and graduate students where they comprise 52.5% and 46% respectively. However, the numbers for other ethnic segments such as Asian, Latino, and African-American students remain relatively low and warrant attention to promote greater diversity. Additionally, the presence of international students, while not numerically significant, could enrich the cultural fabric of the university.

Overall, while Gardner-Webb University showcases a predominantly female student body, challenges remain in enhancing diversity across different races and backgrounds. This analysis underscores the importance of targeted recruitment strategies aimed at increasing minority representation and ensuring an inclusive educational environment.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Gardner-Webb University

The age distribution of students at Gardner-Webb University in 2024 reveals intriguing trends that reflect both traditional and non-traditional student populations. The largest demographic consists of students aged 18-21, where undergraduate males and females account for 228 and 314 respectively. This age group represents nearly 49% of the total male student population and about 57% of the total female student population. The prevalence of traditional students, often fresh out of high school, contributes significantly to the university's campus life.

As we move into the 22-24 age range, the numbers show a slight decline in attneding undergraduate males to 113 while females maintain a strong representation with 132. The overwhelming number of graduate students, particularly females aged 25-29 and 30-34 (114 and 105 respectively), indicates a shift towards a significant presence of mature students seeking advanced degrees. This trend towards older students may reflect a growing societal recognition of lifelong learning and professional development.

Moreover, the age brackets of 40-49 and 50-64 indicate a healthy participation of older adults in higher education, with 82 females aged 40-49 further emphasizing this. Their involvement encourages diversity in perspectives and experiences on campus, enriching the educational environment for all students.

With increasing numbers of non-traditional students, it becomes essential for universities like Gardner-Webb to continue creating inclusive programs that cater to the differing needs of various age groups, promoting both academic success and a connected campus community. The evolution of student demographics should be monitored closely, as it has implications for curriculum development, campus facilities, and community engagement.

Comments on International Student Trends at Gardner-Webb University

The data concerning international students at Gardner-Webb University reveals significant fluctuations over the years, reflecting broader trends in higher education. In 2009, the percentage of international undergraduate students was a mere 0.15%, which is a stark contrast to 2013, when this figure soared to 1.61%. This suggests a growing interest and recruitment of international students during that period, likely influenced by the university's expanding global outreach and supportive learning environment.

However, the figures for subsequent years show a troubling decline. By 2024, the percentage of international undergraduates decreased to 0.16%. Such a trend might indicate challenges the university faced, such as the impacts of global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted international student mobility. The decrease in both quantity and quality of international students can affect campus diversity, global perspectives in classrooms, and the overall vibrancy of the campus culture.

It is also worth noting that the percentage of international graduate students, while having some fluctuations, remained relatively low and even fell to 0.07% in 2021. This decline further emphasizes the need for Gardner-Webb University to enhance its recruitment strategies, such as offering more scholarships for international students or improving its marketing in global markets.

In conclusion, as higher education institutions increasingly depend on international student enrollment for their financial sustainability and cultural diversity, addressing the challenges and opportunities in attracting these students should be a priority for Gardner-Webb University moving forward.

Here are some notable nearby institutions to Gardner-Webb University:

1. Duke University - Ranked 6th in the 2025 US News rankings, this prestigious university is located in Durham, North Carolina, and is known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life.

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - With a ranking of 27, this historic university is famous for its cutting-edge research and diverse program offerings across various fields.

3. Clemson University - Ranked 80th, Clemson is recognized for its strong engineering and business programs, as well as its beautiful campus and athletic spirit.

4. Wake Forest University - This university holds the 46th position and is known for its emphasis on liberal arts education, as well as its small class sizes and personal attention to students.

5. Furman University - Ranked 45th, Furman is a leading liberal arts college that offers a strong undergraduate education and a commitment to student development.

These universities provide a variety of academic options and vibrant environments, contributing to the rich educational landscape of the region.

Analysis of Crime Statistics at Gardner-Webb University: 2013-2023

The crime statistics at Gardner-Webb University over the past decade reveal notable fluctuations in the reported offenses per 1,000 students. The data indicates a peak in crime in 2018, with a rate of 11.05 occurrences per 1,000 students, which significantly contrasts with lower rates observed in subsequent years, particularly in 2022 when the rate dropped to 4.88. This decline suggests effective crime prevention measures or a decrease in criminal activity within or around the campus environment.

Examining specific types of offenses, one can observe a consistent issue with alcohol-related arrests, particularly during years with higher total crime rates. The data for 2018 shows that alcohol-related arrests were notably present, indicating potential challenges with student behavior during that year. Furthermore, the fluctuation in drug-related offenses suggests changing dynamics in campus culture or perhaps shifts in policy enforcement over the years.

It is also important to consider the broader context of college crime rates in the United States. National trends indicate that while campuses are generally safe, specific issues like binge drinking and drug use remain prevalent. Colleges must continually adapt their prevention strategies to address these evolving challenges, utilizing data-driven approaches to ensure student safety.

While recent years showcase a downward trend in the average number of offenses per 1,000 students, Gardner-Webb University must remain vigilant in its crime prevention strategies and continue fostering a safe educational environment. For those interested in understanding crime rates calculation, further insights can be found here.