Contents
Catalog Links

Admissions

Admission Procedures

Gardner-Webb University operates on a rolling admissions plan. Completed applications are acted upon and notification is made to the student within three weeks. Gardner-Webb University maintains that minimums of 2.5 GPA, 18 ACT, and/or a 950 SAT (Critical Reading and Math), and a rank in the top 50% of the high school graduating class are baselines for academic success. In addition to quantitative requirements for admission, Gardner-Webb University accepts students with strong character, leadership ability, and the desire to be a positive influence in the campus community. No single criterion will be decisive, but each item will be considered carefully as admissions decisions are made. In the case of transfer students, previous college work will serve as the criteria for acceptance.

Although an interview is not required of all applicants for admission to Gardner-Webb University, campus visits are encouraged. Campus tours and information sessions are available at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday- Friday. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 1-800-253-6472 or (704) 406-4498 for further information or visit our website, www.gardner-webb.edu/visit, to register online.

Gardner-Webb University informational packets are available directly from the Admissions Office. The completed application and transcripts of all high school credits and any college work attempted must be submitted to the Gardner-Webb University Undergraduate Admissions Office, P.O. Box 817, Boiling Springs, NC 28017. Application for admission may also be made online at www.gardner-webb.edu/apply.

Applicants must meet the University’s standards as to intellectual promise and emotional and social stability. Gardner-Webb University is committed to its responsibility as a liberal arts university within the context of the Christian faith to enroll students from a variety of racial, economic, social, religious, and geographic backgrounds. Due to the confidential nature of some items of information required for admission, the University reserves the right to reject any applicant without stating a reason.

Although a fixed pattern of high school credits is not prescribed, the following minimum course distribution is recommended as the best preparation for academic work at Gardner-Webb University: English, 4 units; Social Science, 2 units; Algebra, 2 units; Geometry, 1 unit; World Language, 2 units; Natural Science, 2 units; plus electives.

Acceptance of students for admission to the University does not automatically guarantee their entrance into any particular program of the University. Departmental/school approval is necessary for entry into any departmental/school program and/or major that has a separate application process.

Students may enter at the beginning of any semester or summer term.

Entrance Examinations

Applicants for admission to Gardner-Webb University should submit their scores on the SAT of the College Entrance Examination Board or the ACT of The American College Testing Program. Scores should be sent directly to Gardner-Webb University. The SAT school code for GWU is 5242, and 3102 for the ACT.

Applications, lists of testing centers and dates, and rules on applications, fees, and other information are available in most high school guidance offices and on the Internet.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students

Gardner-Webb University admits a limited number of non-degree-seeking students. They include:

  1. Persons who wish to take only private music lessons. Such applicants are admitted if instructors in the School of Performing and Visual Arts are able to schedule lessons for them.
  2. Persons 21 years of age or older who are not high school graduates or degree candidates but wish to take classwork. Such persons are accepted on the basis of maturity and background sufficient to do the classwork desired.
  3. College graduates who are interested in further study.
  4. High school students who wish to take classwork on the Gardner-Webb campus prior to and during their senior year.
  5. High school students who wish to enter Gardner-Webb at the end of their junior year may submit an application for consideration for early admission. Students must obtain approval from their local school authority (i.e., school board, principal, etc.) to count their freshman year requirements at Gardner-Webb toward their graduation requirements from high school.

Credit awarded to non-degree-seeking students will be recorded on a University transcript.

Homeschool Students

Homeschool students should submit a transcript showing courses taken, grades, extracurricular activities, and out-of-classroom experiences. The transcript must indicate the program or programs used in instruction. Homeschool students are required to submit their scores on the SAT of the College Entrance Examination Board (school code 5242) or the ACT of The American College Testing Program (school code 3102). Scores should be sent directly to Gardner-Webb University. If courses were taken at a community college or college/university, transcripts must be submitted.

Transient Students

A student enrolled and seeking a degree at another institution may take a course(s) at Gardner-Webb University and transfer that credit to the other institution. Students are encouraged to check with the receiving institution to ensure that the Gardner-Webb coursework is transferable to their home institution.

International Students

In addition to the standard admissions/application procedures, international applicants must complete the steps listed below in order to be considered for admission to Gardner-Webb University.

  1. Proof of English proficiency in reading and writing must be provided. Test results from the following are accepted.
    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 500 (paper-based), 173 (computer-based), or 61 (internet-based).
    2. International English Language Test System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 5.0.
    3. Duolingo with a minimum score of 95.
    4. SAT or ACT scores may be used in lieu of TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo with minimum scores met.
    5. Earned 24 credit hours at a U.S. university or community college with an earned grade of C or better in 6 hours of humanities or English Composition 1&2
    6. Earned degree from an accredited U.S. college
  2. All high school transcripts must be translated into English. This must be done prior to enrollment to Gardner-Webb.
  3. Transcripts of college credit received from institutions outside the United States must first be submitted to World Education Services, Inc. (WES) or an approved similar evaluator service for a course-by-course evaluation before being submitted. Please contact admissions@gardner-webb.edu for a complete list of evaluators. This must be done prior to enrollment at Gardner-Webb.

In addition to the items listed above, international applicants planning to study in the United States must submit the following documentation.

  1. Passport - A copy of a current passport is required as part of the admissions material.
  2. Visa Status - A copy of any current U.S. visa must be provided.
  3. Documents to Show Financial Responsibility - A copy of the most recent bank statement showing sufficient balance to cover financial support for the first year of school is required. This can be the bank account of the prospective student, a family member, or other.
  4. International Student Information Form - Please submit this completed form with other admissions materials in order for the University to issue a Form I-20. The Form I-20 is necessary for an international applicant to apply for a student visa at the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
  5. International Students Transferring from Another U.S. Institution - Please submit the International Student Transfer Form, in addition to the International Student Information Form. Also, please submit copies of your current Form I-94, current Form I-20, and current student travel visa.

Additional information and international student forms may be obtained by emailing admissions@gardner-webb.edu.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

A student who completes requirements for more than one major graduates from the University with only one baccalaureate degree. The diploma will show “Bachelor of Arts” or “Bachelor of Science” depending upon the area of the primary major. The transcript will show completion of both majors.

Students entering Gardner-Webb University with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university desiring to study in another field may complete their degree in the second field in the following manner:

  • Complete all required general education. All transfer coursework will be reviewed in the same manner as students transferring with an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree under the guidelines of the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement
  • Complete all the courses required in that declared major of study per the catalog of entry
  • Complete any other coursework required by the department of the declared major of study
  • Complete a minimum of 30 hours of credit at Gardner-Webb University

Upon successful completion of the work as outlined, the student will be awarded the degree from Gardner-Webb University.

A minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in accordance with the University grading system is required for graduation.