Contents
Catalog Links

Financial Aid

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 a Graduate PLUS loan or alternative 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.

Many companies, foundations, school systems, and medical centers assist Gardner-Webb graduate students in the payment of tuition and fees. Students should investigate policies of their employers as well as check with local civic organizations to determine the availability of such funds.

Graduate Assistantships

Goals for Assistantships

  1. To provide academically strong graduate students with financial assistance and practical opportunities to increase skills and knowledge in their respective fields; and
  2. To provide mature work assistance to appropriate programs and offices within the University while giving graduate programs a tool with which to attract strong students to Gardner-Webb.

Policies for Assistantships

  1. Applications for assistantships may be obtained from and submitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  2. Awards are available for the academic year, including the Summer term, to those students carrying a full-time academic course load. They are renewable for up to three years. Decisions to renew are made annually by each graduate assistant’s direct supervisor.
  3. Each department will select the individual recipients of the awards and be responsible for assigning work duties. Graduate assistants may not be assigned additional assistantship duties by any other department of the University.
  4. Recipients of fellowships and/or scholarships may also receive assistantships.
  5. Individual assistantship contracts must be re-evaluated yearly.
  6. Service related to assistantships should follow the academic schedule and may not exceed 20 hours per week.
  7. Outside employment must not interfere with performance of duties of the graduate assistantships and may be a factor in hiring decisions.
  8. Graduate Assistants cannot hold any other employment position provided through the University (e.g., Graduate Resident Directors, internships, and/or hourly employment) which would result in employment exceeding 29 hours per week.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan

Low-interest loans may be available for eligible students who are enrolled at least half-time. Students make no payment while enrolled at least half-time and during the six-month grace period after graduation. Students must complete the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov to determine eligibility. Additional information is available from the Office of Financial Planning at 704-406-4243. 

FELS Scholarships

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 cfnc.org/fels for additional information including eligibility, award amounts, application procedures, and approved degree programs.