BOILING SPRINGS, NC – Gardner-Webb University has been named as one of America’s Best Christian Colleges after results from the 17th Annual National College Survey conducted by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.  The survey was conducted between April 2 and July 31, 2007.

The overall list included 137 schools nationwide with Gardner-Webb one of only three in North Carolina.  The other North Carolina schools were Campbell University, located in Buies Creek and Mars Hills College near Asheville.

In order to qualify for the designation America’s Best Christian Colleges an institution must:
1. Be an accredited, four-year institution offering bachelor degrees
2. Offer full residential facilities including residence halls and dining services
3. Have had an entering freshman class in the fall of 2006 with a high school grade point average (GPA) and or SAT/ACT score equal to or above the national average for all freshmen entering Christian Institutions and
4. Be affiliated with a recognized Christian denomination, or claim current or historical association with, or be governed by a recognized Christian denomination.

Gardner-Webb Vice President of Enrollment Management, Mark Hughes says the honor brings together two important distinctives that connect.

“We are delighted to be recognized.  This honor validates our commitment to offering premier academics within a distinctly Christian community.  We are equally serious about these two institutional distinctives, which is what separates us from other colleges or universities a student might choose to attend,” said Hughes.

Located in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner-Webb University is home to over 4,000 students from 39 states and 21 foreign countries.  Gardner-Webb seeks a higher ground in higher education – one that embraces faith and intellectual freedom, balances conviction with compassion, and inspires in students a love of learning and leadership.