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Appalachian State University vs Gardner-Webb University

DNP programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Appalachian State University
$8,380 vs $11,300
Easier to get into
Appalachian State University
88.6% vs 87.0% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Appalachian State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Gardner-Webb University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationBoone, NCBoiling Springs, NC
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate100%
Acceptance rate88.6%BEST87.0%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$8,380 in / $24,140 outBEST$11,300
In-state tuition$8,380BEST$11,300
Out-of-state tuition$24,140$11,300BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNESCORECARD_BASELINE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Appalachian State University or Gardner-Webb University?

Appalachian State University is the more affordable option at roughly $8,380, compared to $11,300. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Appalachian State University and Gardner-Webb University the same type of program?

Both are DNP programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Appalachian State University and Gardner-Webb University?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.