Gardner-Webb University Nursing: What to Know for Applicants (2026)
Private Christian university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, where the Hunt School of Nursing stacks ASN, BSN, ABSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with ACEN accreditation. This guide uses Gardner-Webb’s published 2025–26 tuition tables and ACEN-required outcome disclosure (updated 10/25/2024); confirm every detail with GWU and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Gardner-Webb’s Hunt School spans the full nursing ladder—associate through DNP—with ACEN-accredited programs and published student achievement data. Partnerships such as the CaroMont Health collaboration can combine senior practicum experiences with structured tuition support tied to a post-graduation work commitment; confirm every financial and clinical detail in writing with GWU and the employer.
Overview & Why Students Choose Gardner-Webb University
Set between Charlotte and Asheville in Boiling Springs, Gardner-Webb is a private Christian university whose Hunt School of Nursing combines evidence-based practice with a faith-informed mission. Nursing education at GWU dates to 1965; today the school advertises ASN, traditional BSN, ABSN, online Davis RN-to-BSN, MSN tracks (Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner), and DNP pathways with blended online delivery and on-campus intensives.
Learners who want one institution for an entire career arc—from first RN licensure to doctoral practice—can take advantage of the school’s “seamless” progression messaging for eligible graduates, while pre-licensure students benefit from partnerships across the Western Piedmont and Charlotte footprint.
Gardner-Webb’s ACEN accreditation disclosure (student achievement data updated 10/25/2024) lists an 80% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the 2024 ASN cohort and a reported 100% first-time pass rate for the 2024 BSN aggregate (traditional BSN, ABSN, and RN-BSN combined). Always confirm the latest cohort-specific statistics on GWU’s ACEN disclosure page and cross-check institution-level tables published by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Gardner-Webb
ACEN-accredited ladder
GWU publicly discloses Continuing Accreditation for associate, baccalaureate, master’s/post-master’s certificate, and clinical doctorate nursing programs—useful if you plan multiple stops on the same campus.
Published TEAS & GPA thresholds
Undergraduate nursing applicants see concrete TEAS and GPA requirements on GWU’s How to Apply — Undergraduate Nursing page, which reduces guesswork while you prepare transcripts and test plans.
ABSN & second-degree friendly
The Accelerated BSN caters to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree elsewhere, with published prerequisites and a distinct per-credit tuition band on GWU’s online undergraduate tuition schedule.
Strategic system partnerships
GWU promotes structured collaborations such as the CaroMont Health partnership for senior practicum experiences and tuition assistance with a post-graduation work expectation—verify current awards and contracts with both organizations.
DNP & PMHNP depth
Doctoral options include post-baccalaureate FNP and PMHNP tracks plus a post-master’s DNP, supported by the rural-focused ACE interdisciplinary initiative described on GWU’s site.
Nursing Programs Offered
Use the headings below to separate pre-licensure, post-licensure, and graduate nursing pathways. Program history, credit totals, and track names come from the Hunt School landing page, the BSN/ABSN/DNP program pages, GWU admissions checklists, and the academic catalog links referenced throughout gardner-webb.edu.
Pre-licensure
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). Gardner-Webb’s catalog and news materials refer to the ASN as the associate pathway to RN licensure. For consistency with national labeling, think of it as an associate-degree nursing (ADN-level) program; GWU officially awards the ASN credential. Licensed practical nurses may qualify for advanced placement into the second ASN semester when space is available, with extra science and psychology coursework per GWU’s LPN admissions checklist.
Traditional BSN. The on-campus BSN begins each August; nursing courses start in the sophomore year after prerequisites. GWU cites a minimum of 120 credit hours overall with 60 nursing credits, a 120-hour focused client-care experience in the final year, and access to AMP (Accelerated Master’s in Nursing) coursework for qualified juniors.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN). Second-degree students need a conferred bachelor’s degree, a ≥2.85 GPA, and college-level microbiology, anatomy & physiology I/II, general psychology, and developmental psychology with minimum grades of “C.” Applications route through Digital Learning Enrollment, while GWU’s tuition table labels ABSN as an in-person program billed at the accelerated per-credit rate ($805/credit for 2025–26 plus Bulldog Bundle and digital learning fees).
Post-licensure
Davis RN-to-BSN. The online completion track requires an associate in nursing or hospital diploma, an active RN license, and a ≥2.5 GPA (last 60 credits if 60+ hours completed). Catalog and news articles describe 30 semester hours of nursing courses in eight-week online terms. Seamless admission is advertised for recent ASN graduates who meet stated criteria.
Graduate
MSN & RN-to-MSN pathway. Hunt School history references MSN tracks in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, and Family Nurse Practitioner, plus the option to substitute graduate courses while completing the BSN through the RN-to-MSN bridge described online. Dual-degree seekers can explore the MSN/MBA pairing linked from graduate program pages.
DNP & certificates. GWU offers Post-MSN DNP (36 credits), Post-Baccalaureate DNP-FNP (79 credits), and Post-Baccalaureate DNP-PMHNP (81 credits), primarily online with once-per-semester intensives. Post-doctoral FNP and PMHNP certificates exist for doctoral-prepared nurses who still need board-eligibility coursework.
ASN (with LPN track)
Associate pathway with optional advanced placement for qualified LPNs; prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN.
Traditional BSN
Four-year, on-campus program; August cohort; 120-hour capstone immersion.
ABSN
Accelerated second-degree format with published science prerequisites.
Davis RN-to-BSN
Online completion for licensed RNs; 30 nursing credits in catalog/news descriptions.
MSN / RN-to-MSN
Education, administration, and FNP pathways; confirm delivery in the current catalog.
DNP & post-doc NP certs
Post-BSN FNP/PMHNP, post-MSN DNP, and post-doctoral certificates per DNP page.
Courses, tracks, and credit totals change with each catalog cycle. Always confirm your pathway on the Hunt School of Nursing page and the SmartCatalog links before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Gardner-Webb’s ACEN Accreditation Status & Student Achievement disclosure (data updated 10/25/2024), the most recent aggregate first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024 ASN graduates was 80%, while the combined pre-licensure BSN bucket (traditional BSN, ABSN, and RN-BSN) showed a reported 100% first-time pass rate for 2024. Those percentages are school-published aggregates required for accreditation transparency; they may differ slightly from board-formatted tables that separate program codes. For North Carolina’s official school-by-school listings, use the North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX pass rates hub (PDFs update annually).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ASN — First-Time NCLEX-RN (2024 graduates) | 80% (GWU ACEN student achievement disclosure, updated 10/25/2024) |
| BSN aggregate (TBSN + ABSN + RN-BSN) — First-Time NCLEX-RN (2024) | Reported 100% (same disclosure) |
| Source (school) | Gardner-Webb — ACEN disclosure & student achievement data. |
| Source (state board) | North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates. Confirm the latest official tables and cohort years with the Board and GWU. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort, program, and tester volume. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates for each Gardner-Webb program directly with the Hunt School of Nursing and the North Carolina Board of Nursing before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution, clinical site, visa type, and the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Use the checklist below as a starting point; this is general guidance—not immigration or licensure advice—and policies can change each cycle.
- English-language proficiency: confirm whether Gardner-Webb requires TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other scores for your program level.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: determine whether GWU mandates a specific evaluator (e.g., WES) for international coursework.
- North Carolina Board of Nursing: internationally educated nurses must follow the Board’s requirements for NCLEX eligibility, supplemental courses, and English proficiency before licensure.
- Immigration & visa status: clinical courses may have restrictions for certain visa categories; coordinate with GWU’s international office and the Hunt School early.
Double-check every requirement with Gardner-Webb’s admissions, international student services, and the North Carolina Board of Nursing before you apply or schedule clinical rotations.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
GWU separates general university admission from admission to the Hunt School. ASN/BSN applicants apply through Undergraduate Admissions unless they are already enrolled GW students (who submit the internal Qualtrics application referenced online). ABSN and Davis RN-to-BSN applicants apply through Digital Learning Enrollment. Expect competitive, capacity-managed seats—especially for pre-licensure cohorts—and plan for background checks, drug screening, immunizations, BLS certification, and health forms prior to clinicals.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BSN (August start) | Not publicly disclosed on one consolidated nursing deadline page | Track dates on GWU Undergraduate Admissions and the Hunt School. |
| ABSN / Online RN-BSN | Varies by cohort | Digital Learning Enrollment reviews DCP applications; confirm seat availability for each term. |
| MSN / DNP | Varies | Use Graduate Admissions and nursing-specific requirement pages. |
Admissions snapshot (published minimums)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Hunt School) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | ASN/BSN/LPN-ASN: ≥2.85 (cumulative if <60 credits, otherwise last 60 hours). ABSN: ≥2.85. Davis RN-BSN: ≥2.5 (last 60 hours if ≥60 credits). |
| TEAS | Required for ASN/BSN/LPN-ASN (minimum overall 65 on the latest version within two years; three attempts per 12 months) unless the applicant already holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. |
| Science prerequisites | Biology, chemistry, and algebra minimum “C” for ASN/BSN; ABSN requires microbiology, A&P I/II, general psychology, developmental psychology with minimum “C.” |
Honest tips: Document everything listed on GWU’s How to Apply — Undergraduate Nursing page before you pay application fees—especially background checks and immunizations, which clinical partners can reject even if the university admits you academically. Second-degree ABSN students should confirm science course equivalencies early with the registrar.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Gardner-Webb publishes separate tuition schedules for traditional on-campus undergraduates, online degree-completion programs (including Davis RN-to-BSN), and graduate online students. Figures below come from the 2025–26 tables posted in March 2026 review; your bill will also include technology, bundle, activity, housing, and board charges when applicable.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional undergraduate tuition (on campus) | $17,645 per semester for full-time enrollment (10–18 credit hours) in 2025–26—about $35,290 per academic year in tuition alone before room, board, and fees. Part-time/overload rate: $520/credit hour. |
| Online undergraduate nursing tuition | $385 per credit hour + $25/credit Bulldog Bundle + $85 digital learning fee per semester on the 2025–26 Online Undergraduate Tuition & Fees page (used by RN-to-BSN). ABSN lists $805/credit plus the same bundle/digital fee pattern; GWU notes ABSN is an in-person program on that table. |
| ABSN semester tuition (financial aid COA example) | The Online Undergraduate Cost of Attendance lists $28,980 tuition per semester for the accelerated BSN line item in 2025–26—useful for loan packaging, not necessarily your exact invoice. |
| Graduate online COA (planning) | GWU’s Graduate Online Cost of Attendance shows $4,815 tuition plus $225 fees for a half-time, 12-month budget cycle in 2025–26; confirm per-credit rates on the linked tuition page for MSN/DNP. |
| Sources | Traditional Tuition & Fees; Online Undergraduate Tuition & Fees; Online Undergraduate COA; Graduate Online COA. |
Private universities typically charge the same tuition regardless of residency, but always verify with Student Accounts. Explore institutional scholarships, FELS (GWU notes eligible programs), FAFSA (school code 002929), and payment plans linked from GWU Financial Aid.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pair Gardner-Webb’s accreditation disclosures with Board of Nursing publications to understand both program health and licensure eligibility trends.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (ASN, 2024) | 80% first-time pass rate (GWU ACEN disclosure, updated 10/25/2024) |
| NCLEX-RN (BSN aggregate, 2024) | Reported 100% first-time pass rate for TBSN + ABSN + RN-BSN combined (same disclosure) |
| On-time completion (2024–25 data in disclosure) | ASN 60%; BSN 61%; MSN 50%; DNP 80% (methodology per GWU) |
| DNP certification exams (2024) | GWU reports a 100% certification pass rate for first-time and repeat takers combined—confirm definitions and cohort size on the disclosure page. |
| Employment / placement | Not publicly disclosed in the excerpts reviewed for this guide beyond partnership narratives; ask GWU career services for any school-reported hiring statistics. |
| Sources | GWU ACEN disclosure; NC Board of Nursing pass rates. |
Is Gardner-Webb University the Right Fit for You?
Gardner-Webb suits students who want a Christian university environment, a documented TEAS/GPA gate for pre-licensure programs, and the ability to move from ASN through DNP without changing institutions.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Prefer a private university midway between Charlotte and the Blue Ridge foothills with both small-town campus life and access to larger clinical markets.
- Value ACEN-accredited ladders plus transparent minimum test scores (TEAS 65) for pre-licensure pathways.
- Plan to leverage structured employer partnerships (for example CaroMont Health) that tie clinical training to tuition support.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the lowest-cost public community-college tuition for an ADN/ASN without faith-based mission coursework.
- Want a fully online traditional BSN (GWU’s pre-licensure BSN remains on-campus).
- Prefer a large Research-1 campus environment; Gardner-Webb is a smaller doctoral/professional university by design.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Boiling Springs sits in Cleveland County between Charlotte’s metro hospital systems and the Appalachian foothills. Gardner-Webb emphasizes partnerships with regional providers so students can experience community health, rural medicine, and high-acuity tertiary care depending on course objectives.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| CaroMont Health | GWU publicizes a structured partnership that includes senior practicum placements; promotional materials reference tuition support with an employment commitment—verify current award amounts, GPA requirements, and work agreements with CaroMont and GWU. |
| Charlotte metro systems | Major systems such as Atrium Health and Novant Health sit within a manageable drive, broadening specialty-clinical opportunities when cohorts rotate beyond Cleveland County. |
| Rural & community partners | GWU highlights service learning with community healthcare facilities across the region; rural-focused initiatives like ACE tie nursing and mental health counseling training to underserved areas. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Hunt School grounds professional nursing education in Gardner-Webb’s broader Christian campus culture—weekly chapel, NCAA Division I athletics, and student ministries coexist with high-stakes sciences. Simulation labs and interprofessional events (including activities with physician assistant students) complement clinical rotations. Graduate nursing students mostly learn online but return for scheduled intensives; review housing options for those weekends on GWU’s visit pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Boiling Springs, NC
- Address
- 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, NC 28017, US
- Main telephone
- (704) 406-4000 (university switchboard)
- Admissions
- Undergraduate (704) 406-2550 · Graduate (704) 406-4484 · Online/DCP (866) 498-4625
- Request info
- GWU request information
- Website
- gardner-webb.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Bookmark the Hunt School of Nursing page and download the relevant SmartCatalog sections for your pathway.
- Create a TEAS timeline if you are applying to ASN/BSN/LPN tracks; schedule the exam early enough to allow retakes within GWU’s 12-month attempt rule.
- Order official transcripts and verify biology, chemistry, algebra, and (for ABSN) A&P and psychology grades meet minimum “C” standards.
- Complete the criminal background check and drug screen instructions exactly as GWU directs—clinical agencies deny noncompliant students.
- Speak with Student Accounts about billed tuition vs. financial-aid COA figures, especially for ABSN packaging.
- Ask graduate admissions how seamless progression works for your intended MSN or DNP specialty.
- Set calendar reminders for FAFSA (due May 28 per GWU) and any Hunt School supplemental applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Gardner-Webb University’s Hunt School offer?
Gardner-Webb lists ASN, traditional BSN, ABSN, Davis RN-to-BSN (online), MSN tracks (Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner), RN-to-MSN options in catalog materials, and DNP pathways (Post-MSN, DNP-FNP, DNP-PMHNP). Confirm current tracks on the Hunt School pages and SmartCatalog.
What are Gardner-Webb’s published NCLEX-RN pass rates?
Gardner-Webb’s ACEN disclosure (data updated 10/25/2024) reports an 80% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the 2024 ASN cohort and a reported 100% first-time pass rate for the 2024 combined BSN programs (traditional BSN, ABSN, and RN-BSN). Cross-check newer cohorts on GWU’s disclosure page and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Does Gardner-Webb require TEAS for pre-licensure nursing?
GWU’s undergraduate nursing admissions checklist lists TEAS (most recent version) with a minimum overall score of 65 within two years for ASN/BSN and LPN advanced placement; bachelor’s-degree holders are exempt. ABSN applicants follow the accelerated requirements spelled out on the How to Apply page.
What GPA does Gardner-Webb nursing expect?
ASN, traditional BSN, and LPN-to-ASN applicants need ≥2.85 (cumulative if under 60 credits, otherwise last 60 hours). ABSN applicants need ≥2.85. Davis RN-to-BSN applicants need ≥2.5 with the same last-60-hours rule when applicable.
How much is Gardner-Webb nursing tuition in 2025–2026?
Traditional full-time undergraduates pay $17,645 per semester ($35,290/year in tuition alone). Online undergraduate nursing courses cost $385/credit plus fees; ABSN tuition is $805/credit plus fees on GWU’s online tuition schedule, with a $28,980-per-semester tuition line in the ABSN cost-of-attendance table for aid packaging.
Is Gardner-Webb nursing ACEN-accredited?
Yes—GWU’s disclosure lists Continuing Accreditation for associate, baccalaureate, master’s/post-master’s certificate, and DNP nursing programs. Verify effective dates on the ACEN section of gardner-webb.edu.
What is seamless admission at Gardner-Webb?
GWU advertises streamlined admission from qualifying HSON undergraduate programs into select graduate pathways within two years of graduation (waived application fees). ASN graduates may receive seamless Davis RN-to-BSN admission within one year when criteria are met. Confirm your eligibility with graduate admissions.
Where do Gardner-Webb nursing students complete clinicals?
GWU highlights community healthcare partnerships and a structured collaboration with CaroMont Health for senior practicum experiences; Charlotte-area systems are within driving distance for additional specialty rotations depending on placement.
Does Gardner-Webb offer an accelerated BSN?
Yes. The ABSN serves students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, completes prerequisites in sciences and psychology, and bills at the accelerated per-credit rate. Applications are submitted through Digital Learning Enrollment per GWU.
What doctoral nursing options does Gardner-Webb offer?
The DNP includes Post-MSN (36 credits), Post-Baccalaureate FNP (79 credits), and Post-Baccalaureate PMHNP (81 credits) with mostly online coursework and on-campus intensives, plus post-doctoral NP certificates for learners who still need certifying coursework.
References
- Gardner-Webb University — Hunt School of Nursinggardner-webb.edu/…/nursing
- Gardner-Webb — ACEN disclosure & student achievementaccreditation-acen
- Gardner-Webb — How to Apply (Undergraduate Nursing)how-to-apply-undergraduate-nursing
- Gardner-Webb — Traditional Tuition & Feestuition-and-fees
- Gardner-Webb — Online Undergraduate Tuition & Feesonline undergrad tuition
- Gardner-Webb — Online Undergraduate Cost of Attendanceonline undergrad COA
- Gardner-Webb — Graduate Online Cost of Attendancegraduate online COA
- Gardner-Webb — Nursing (BSN) program pageprograms/nursing-bsn
- Gardner-Webb — Doctor of Nursing Practiceprograms/dnp
- Gardner-Webb news — NCLEX outcomes (Sept. 2024)nursing-celebrates-pass-rates
- Gardner-Webb news — CaroMont partnershipcaromont-partner
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesncbon.com/nclex-pass-rates
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)acenursing.com
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment with Gardner-Webb’s ACEN student achievement disclosure, official 2025–26 tuition tables, and published TEAS/GPA nursing admissions criteria.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-30 · Last reviewed: March 30, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy