Financial Aid

Need-Based Financial Aid

Students seeking financial aid are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application will provide the Financial Planning Office with the amount the student and their family can contribute to the cost of education. (The cost of education includes tuition, fees, food, housing, and expenses for books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.) The FAFSA collects the student’s and parents’ federal tax information from two years prior as well as asset information. This information is used to calculate the student aid index (SAI). (The SAI is the family’s ability to contribute toward college costs.) The SAI determines the amount and type(s) of financial aid that can be awarded to each student.

There is no charge to apply, and the FAFSA can be completed at the following website: www.studentaid.gov. The application can be done beginning October 1 preceding the year the student plans to attend college. Once the FAFSA has been submitted by the student, a copy of the results are provided to each college listed on the form. Gardner-Webb’s school code is 002929. Gardner-Webb will receive the application electronically, and a financial aid award will be prepared once the student has been admitted. The student will receive an award notification e-mail at their Gardner-Webb e-mail address. The award information is provided via Gardner-Webb’s secure online portal called WebbConnect. (Each student is given a username and password upon admission to the University.) Any scholarship aid awarded to the student from Gardner-Webb will be included in the financial-aid package.

Federal Assistance Programs

Any student enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program at Gardner-Webb University may receive assistance under the Title IV Programs if he/she:

1. Is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
2. Is maintaining satisfactory academic progress according to established standards;
3. Does not owe a refund on a grant or is not in default on a loan received at Gardner-Webb or any other post-secondary institution; and
4. Completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

A list of Federal Programs available to eligible applicants is as follows.

Pell Grant

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Work-Study

Direct Stafford Loans - Subsidized and Unsubsidized

Direct Parent PLUS Loan

Additional information about these programs is available in the Financial Planning Office and on the Financial Planning webpage. Please realize that not all students are eligible for these programs due to specific criteria such as financial need, grade point average, year in school, and availability of funds. Federal funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

State Assistance Programs

A list of State Programs for eligible North Carolina residents (funding contingent upon state appropriations) is as follows.

The North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship Program (NBS) is a grant program created by the NC General Assembly for students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $15,000 or less. The SAI is determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Forgivable Education Loan for Service (FELS) was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011. The loan provides financial assistance to qualified students who are committed to working in North Carolina in fields designated as critical employment shortage areas. Please visit www.cfnc.org/fels for additional information including eligibility, award amounts, application procedures, and approved education programs.

North Carolina does offer other sources of financial aid based on specific criteria. The College Foundation of North Carolina’s website can be used to research and apply for such scholarships. The web address is cfnc.org.

Gardner-Webb University Scholarship Programs

Gardner-Webb University is committed to offering scholarships to those students with outstanding academic credentials. The types of scholarships are listed below and are awarded based on the individual student’s academic and/or performance profile. The University will allow institutional sources of financial aid to be combined with federal, state, and outside aid up to the student’s cost of attendance. For some students this may result in a reduction of their Gardner-Webb aid. Please contact the Financial Planning Office with specific questions.

Competitive Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated leadership ability, and commitment to service. To receive a nomination for this competition you must be selected by the Ignite Excellence Scholarship Screening Committee and interview in the winter months.

Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarships

The Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship will be awarded to one deserving student who exemplifies the attributes highlighted in Mark 12:30. Each year, a full-ride scholarship will be awarded to one student who stands apart from other applicants by the depth of his/her character, faith, and service-driven life. The recipient will be required to demonstrate how he/she can thrive in the challenges of Gardner-Webb's academic environment and graduate prepared to live out the University's motto making a difference for God and humanity.

Ignite Excellence Scholarships

Each year eight students are chosen to receive a full-tuition scholarship valued at $33,770 per academic year, for eight consecutive semesters, provided the recipient is enrolled full-time, maintains a cumulative institutional grade point average of 3.5, resides on campus, and continues to demonstrate a strong leadership ability and commitment to service.

Please NOTE: The Ignite Excellence Scholarship does not apply to hours taken in excess of 18 in any semester, does not apply to summer terms or other program costs such as GEM, and does not cover the expense of books, fees, and/or music lessons. Scholarships are divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters when awarded. If a student is selected for the Ignite Excellence Scholarship, any previous offer of scholarship aid is rescinded.

Honors Scholarship

Each year, students are chosen to compete and apply to be part of the University’s Honors program. Each student selected is awarded a Honors Scholarship, renewable as long they maintain the requirements outlined by the Director of the Honors Program.

Ignite Excellence Participation Award

Each student who interviewed for the Ignite Excellence scholarships but was not awarded one of the eight full-tuition scholarships or honors scholarship will be awarded a $2,000 participation scholarship. The award will be honored for eight consecutive semesters. The award will not cover costs for additional credits taken or summer-school charges.

Institutional Scholarships and Grants

Gardner-Webb University offers the following Institutional Scholarships and Grants.

Trustee Scholarship

Presidential Scholarship

Provost Scholarship

Dean’s Scholarship

Achievement Scholarship 

These scholarships range from $5,000-$20,000 depending on the student’s academic profile.

In order to determine the amount of institutional scholarship or grant you are eligible to receive, you must first apply and be accepted to Gardner-Webb. Your award amount will be included in your acceptance letter from the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Institutional scholarships require a student to be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more) and maintain a grade point average in accordance with the institution’s Scholarship Maintenance Policy. Award amounts vary depending on your housing status (whether you live on or off campus).

Associate of Science in Nursing students transitioning from the Traditional Undergraduate Program into the Online Undergraduate Education BSN program will have any institutional aid prorated based on the percentage of tuition which is covered by their current institutional aid. For example:

Current Institutional Aid ÷ Undergraduate Tuition = % of Tuition
$10,000 ÷ $33,770 = 30%

Scholarship % X Online Program BSN Tuition = New Scholarship Amount

Performance-Based Scholarships

Athletic Scholarships are awarded by each individual coach and shared with the Office of Financial Planning. Gardner-Webb offers scholarships for the following sports: men’s and women’s basketball, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track, men’s baseball, football, wrestling, women’s softball, lacrosse, and volleyball. Any questions concerning eligibility for a scholarship should be directed to the Coach of the sport of interest. If a student receives a financial aid award and an athletic scholarship is not listed, please contact the coach of the sport of interest. It is possible your non-athletic aid will be reduced once the athletic scholarship is added to your financial-aid package.

Music Scholarships/Ensemble Scholarships Music Scholarships: Awards range from $1,000 to $6,000 and are available for music majors as well as students interested in music ensemble opportunities. Music Honors Scholarships range from $1,000 to $6,000. Ensemble Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500. Scholarships cannot be combined. Students must audition for scholarship consideration and meet all departmental obligations and requirements. 

Marching Band Scholarships are awarded by the Band Director and shared with the Financial Planning Office. The award amount is $1,000 and is based on participation in the band. Scholarships are renewed provided participation continues each year.

Pep Band Scholarships are awarded by the Band Director and shared with the Financial Planning Office. The award is $250 and is given during the Spring semester. Scholarships are renewed provided participation continues each year.

Other Gardner-Webb Scholarships

The Luther Butler Scholarship is awarded to selected students who are members of North Carolina Baptist churches cooperating with the North Carolina Baptist State Convention (NCBSC). The funds are awarded and provided by the NCBSC. A separate online application must be completed prior to February 15, and a new application must be submitted each year.

Christian Service Organization Scholarships are awarded to those students preparing for full-time Christian vocational service. The online application must be completed as well as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Award amounts vary depending upon the student’s demonstrated financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA. Approval of the award comes from the Director of Church Relations. 

Church Matching Scholarships are awarded to traditional undergraduate students, who receive a scholarship from any Christian church or Christian related organization. To those traditional undergraduate students submitting the application on or before August 1, Gardner-Webb will match a scholarship from a Christian church/Christian organization—dollar for dollar—up to the cost of tuition. The Church-Matching Scholarship will stack on top of other institutional aid up to the cost of tuition. Only one church scholarship will be matched for each student. Additional requirements are listed on the Church Matching application. 

Gardner-Webb Legacy Grants are awarded to students that have an immediate family member who is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University (parent, grandparent, great grandparent, or sibling). The grant is confirmed by the Alumni Relations Office and is awarded at $500 per year.

Minister’s Dependent Scholarships are awarded to a dependent student (as labeled by the IRS- does not include a spouse) of a full-time, ordained minister or an ordained, full-time employee of a Christian Church or Christian church-related agency. The application deadline is August 1, and the award amount is $5,500 for the year ($2750 per semester).

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Room and Board Scholarships are available for those students receiving an Army ROTC Scholarship. Gardner-Webb will cover the cost of a standard double room and the 21 meal plan less any federal or state grants. The scholarship will be renewed each year the student continues to receive the ROTC scholarship.

Scholarship Maintenance

Students receiving scholarships from Gardner-Webb are expected to achieve a minimum cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) to retain any scholarships. Scholarship progress is reviewed at the end of the semester. The GPA requirement for each scholarship is listed below. If your institutional GPA is below the required minimum, you may be placed on Scholarship Probation. You will be eligible to receive your scholarship while on probation; however, if at the end of the term you have not achieved the required GPA, your scholarship may be rescinded for the next semester.

Ignite Excellence* and Honors Scholarship recipients must maintain an institutional grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 at the end of each academic year, reside on campus, and be enrolled full-time.

*Nursing students must remain in good standing in the Nursing program in lieu of the above stated GPAs to retain scholarship funds.

You may appeal the loss of your scholarship by writing a letter to fpappeals@gardner-webb.edu. It is important to remember that extenuating circumstances must be fully documented. Please contact the Financial Planning Office if you have any questions concerning the appeal process.