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. 

* Federal student loan programs are subject to change based on federal legislation and Department of Education regulations. Beginning July 1, 2026, changes to federal student loan borrowing limits and repayment programs may impact eligibility for certain federal loan programs. Students and families are encouraged to review current federal loan information and contact the Office of Financial Planning with questions regarding eligibility and borrowing options.

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.

C. Institutional

The Teacher Assistant (TA) Discount is designed to support eligible students working in educational settings while pursuing their degree at Gardner-Webb University. This benefit helps reduce educational costs for qualified students who are employed as teacher assistants or in approved educational support roles. Eligibility requirements and award amounts are determined by University policy.

The First Responders Grant recognizes eligible students serving their communities in emergency response and public safety roles, including law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, among others. This grant provides institutional financial assistance to help reduce educational expenses while students pursue their academic goals at Gardner-Webb University. Eligibility and renewal requirements are administered according to University guidelines.

Expenses

Tuition for the 2026-2027 Academic Year

Gardner-Webb Online for the 2026-2027 academic year is $395 per credit hour, with the exception of the BS Elementary Education which is $385 per credit hour, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program which is $830 per credit hour, and the BS Human Services program which is $365 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

Deferred Payment Plan

Tuition, fees, and book charges are payable in full by the last day of the month in which classes begin; however, the University makes available a Deferred Payment Plan to students who prefer to make two payments during the Summer term or four payments during the Fall and Spring semesters rather than the full payment at the beginning of the semester. Students may sign up for the Deferred Payment Plan when viewing their Student Bill. The Student Bill may be accessed through the WebbConnect portal using the username and password assigned by Technology Services. Questions about the Deferred Payment Plan may be directed to the Student Accounts Office at 704-406-4287.

Employer Paid Tuition

Gardner-Webb recognizes that many companies offer tuition reimbursement to their employees. To enable students to take advantage of this benefit, Gardner-Webb will defer the covered portion of the student’s tuition cost until three weeks after the end of the semester. A link providing details about the plan and the documentation required may be found at the bottom of the Student Bill or they may contact the Student Accounts Office for details on enrolling in this plan.

Veterans Benefits

An individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill®, benefits, or Chapter 35, the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Assistance (DEA) program is permitted to attend or participate in a course of study during the period beginning on the date the individual provides to the educational institution a VA certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the following date, whichever comes first.

1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
2. Ninety days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

Gardner-Webb University will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities due to a delay in VA funding disbursement under Chapter 31 or 33. Likewise, a student is not required to borrow additional funds because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31, 33, or 35.

It is integral that students that are eligible for benefits contact the University VA Benefits Administrator to ensure benefits are maximized.  The University also offers payment plans to assist with the timing of payment of room and board with VA housing benefits.  

Charge Reduction Policy

Registration in the University is considered a contract binding the student for charges for the entire semester, and the student remains responsible for tuition and fees for any course(s) from which the student has withdrawn. However, it is the policy of Gardner-Webb University to give pro-rata charge reductions through 60% of the enrollment period in the event a student OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWS FROM SCHOOL. The Complete Withdrawal Form should be completed electronically and may be accessed through MyGWU. A confirmation will be sent when the withdrawal is complete. The withdrawal date is the date this process begins.

Students leaving school for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible for any reduction and will be liable for the entire semester charges. Students who withdraw from individual classes after the schedule modification period will not receive a charge reduction.

For purposes of interpreting this policy, the pro-rata charge reduction percentage is equal to the number of calendar days (includes weekends) remaining in the semester divided by the number of calendar days in the semester. No charge reduction will be given after the 60% period of enrollment for the semester.

When a student’s charges are reduced, federal, state, institutional, and non-institutional aid will be adjusted in accordance with the regulations governing the respective programs. Please contact the Office of Financial Planning for current regulations concerning these programs. Leaving the University without officially withdrawing may result in a student forfeiting all financial aid and thus becoming responsible for the entire balance.

Delinquent Student Accounts

Students with outstanding financial obligations may be prevented from registering for the following semester. In addition, transcripts and/or diplomas may not be released until all financial obligations are satisfied. Delinquent accounts may be referred to collection agencies and/or credit bureaus. Financial obligations include, but are not limited to, student account balances, parking, disciplinary and library fines, and returned checks.