Nursing at Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
73
Optimistic
73
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,337/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 5.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #690 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $769K $767K $679K
Earnings Multiple 5.8x 5.7x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 73 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$133,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$96,548
28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,875
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,750
12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $71,337/yr, Nursing graduates from Gardner-Webb University land near the $75,273 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 5.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $18,875 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #690 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Gardner-Webb University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $71,337 to $79,750 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Gardner-Webb University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Gardner-Webb University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,836 students in Boiling Springs, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Gardner-Webb University →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Gardner-Webb University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Gardner-Webb University?
At 73/100, the score looks reasonable — but Nursing is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Gardner-Webb University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →