Nursing at Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Gardner-Webb University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,836 students in Boiling Springs, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $67,979/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $67,979 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #908 ranking among 947 Nursing programs places Gardner-Webb University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $67,979 to $74,294 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
67
Score
67
High End
Earnings $67,979/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$753K
2.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
11.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$66,900
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,294
9% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

Explore what Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 947 programs nationwide.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Gardner-Webb University?
A score of 67/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Gardner-Webb University trails the majority of Nursing programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
What's the AI risk for Nursing graduates from Gardner-Webb University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Gardner-Webb University graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What's the typical debt for Nursing graduates from Gardner-Webb University?
At $19,500 in median debt, Nursing graduates from Gardner-Webb University carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Nursing?
Beyond Gardner-Webb University's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Nursing careers — including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
How many job openings are there for Nursing graduates?
At 292,500 annual openings, Nursing has a very large employment base. Gardner-Webb University graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →