Financial Information

Financial Aid

All requests for financial aid assistance should be directed to the University’s Office of Financial Planning. Financial aid awards are made following a determination of the applicant’s admission and eligibility. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for determination of eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.studentaid.gov . 

Gardner-Webb University admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, or other school-administered programs.

The deadline to file your FAFSA each year is May 28. Additionally, the deadline to submit an alternative loan or Parent PLUS loan application for the upcoming academic year is June 15. In accordance with new University policy, all students must have payment arrangements in place for the fall semester by July 1. Failure to meet billing deadlines may result in the cancellation of class schedules and housing assignments. Please refer to the University’s billing policy for complete details. 

As you complete the financial aid process and receive an official award offer, you acknowledge that you must meet all application and eligibility requirements as dictated by federal, state, and institutional regulations. These requirements include, but are not limited to: completing entrance counseling, signing a Master Promissory Note (MPN), completing the Residency Determination Service (RDS), maintaining full-time enrollment status, fulfilling housing requirements, meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, and satisfying any other applicable conditions.

Financial aid awards are disbursed after enrollment is confirmed, typically following the drop/add period. Any disbursement that results in a credit balance (overage) will be processed by the Office of Student Accounts. Refunds are generally issued in October for the fall semester and in March for the spring semester.

A. Federal

NOTE: The FAFSA must be completed prior to each academic year to qualify for federal aid. The deadline to file your FAFSA each year is May 28. 

1. PELL GRANTS: Grants available to students who have an exceptional need as indicated by their Student Aid Index (SAI), which is determined from the results of the FAFSA. These grants range from $740 to $7395 per year. Awards are prorated for students who are taking less than the full-time requirement of 12 hours per semester.
2. FEDERAL DIRECT STAFFORD LOANS: Federal loans are available to students who are enrolled at least half-time (six hours or more). The maximum amount a student can borrow is $12,500 per year provided they have earned at least 60 hours. Repayment begins six months after a student drops below half-time status, withdraws, or graduates. The maximum repayment term is ten years.
   1. DIRECT SUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOANS: The interest on subsidized loans is paid by the federal government while the student is enrolled half-time or more. Six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or falls below half-time status, interest begins to accrue. These loans are need-based.
   2. DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOANS: Interest on unsubsidized loans begins to accrue at the time the loan is made. The student may begin payment of the interest at that time, or he/she may allow the interest to capitalize. These loans are available to all students who are enrolled half-time (six hours) or more. 

B. In-State

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 State legislature 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 NBS amount varies annually based on the Student Aid Index (SAI), state funding allocations, and the number of enrolled credit hours. Students participating in lower-cost programs receive a reduced NBS amount, as determined by the State of NC. 

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 as follows: cfnc.org.

Expenses

Tuition for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Gardner-Webb Online for the 2025-2026 academic year is $385 per credit hour, with the exception of the BS Elementary Education which is $375 per credit hour, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program which is $805 per credit hour, and the BS Human Services program which is $355 per credit hour. Tuition increases are usually implemented during the Summer term; however, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition and other charges at the beginning of any semester if such adjustments are necessary in the judgment of the Board of Trustees.

Students enrolled in Gardner-Webb Online will be charged the specified tuition rate per credit hour regardless of the number of hours taken during the semester. Although some courses may be designated as both Online Program and Traditional Undergraduate Program courses, Gardner-Webb Online students will be charged the Online program tuition rate.

Students are expected to review their Student Bill at the beginning of the semester and to make satisfactory financial arrangements no later than the end of the first full week of classes.

Most students are eligible to receive some form of federal or state financial assistance to offset tuition.

Common Miscellaneous Fees

The above fees are typical with enrollment in the Gardner-Webb Online. Fees are subject to change and additional fees may be assessed as required under certain policies. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, fees paid to the University are not refundable.

Miscellaneous Academic Fees

Depending on the program of study and courses taken, students should expect to see course-specific fees ranging from $10 to $400. Multiple fees may apply to individual courses. Fees are used to cover direct expenditures associated with a course requirement (e.g., laboratory materials, database licenses, background checks, etc.) as well as indirect expenses associated with a particular class.

Schedule of Payment