/Institutions/Gardner-Webb-University/json/2026-2027/Academic-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Gardner-Webb-University/json/2026-2027/Academic-Catalog.json

Admissions

Undergraduate Admission

Freshman Class

Gardner-Webb University offers a rolling admissions process and welcomes applications from students who demonstrate academic potential, personal character, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the campus community. The University evaluates applicants through a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, leadership, involvement, and personal character. No single criterion is determinative in the admission decision.

Students may apply for admission at any time, and completed applications are typically reviewed within three weeks. Gardner-Webb operates on a rolling admission basis while offering an Early Admission Advantage for students who apply early. Students who submit a completed application by November 15 receive priority consideration for admission, scholarships, and campus housing. For those admitted under this early timeline, the enrollment deposit is due by January 15.

Although an interview is not required of all applicants for admission to Gardner-Webb University, campus visits are encouraged. Campus tours and information sessions are available Monday-Friday. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at (704) 406-2550 for further information or visit our website, www.gardner-webb.edu/visit, to register online.

Application Process

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit a completed application, an official high school transcript, and official transcripts from all colleges attended, if applicable. Applications may be submitted online through the University’s website.

Gardner-Webb University is test-optional for admission. Standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, or CLT are not required for admission decisions; however, students may submit test scores to strengthen scholarship consideration. Applicants who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged in the admission or initial merit scholarship review process.

The student will find the application, forms for requesting transcripts and references, and other literature on the Gardner-Webb University website at www.gardner-webb.edu. The admission procedure includes the following steps:

1. The student will submit the completed application to the Office of Admissions via the online application portal.
2. The Admissions Committee will review the application when the following credentials are on file: high school transcript, and college transcripts (for dual enrollment credits). Interviews and supplemental material may be requested by the Admissions Committee.
3. The Office of Admissions will notify the applicant of the decision regarding admission and any relevant conditions. Admission is subject to the successful completion of high school. The student must provide final high school transcript showing proof of graduation.
4. Upon admission to the University, the student must submit a deposit. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable after May 1. Upon enrollment, the deposit will be applied to the student’s account.

 

Admission Requirements

Gardner-Webb University maintains general guidelines for academic preparation for full admission. While no specific course pattern is required for admission, students are encouraged to complete a college preparatory curriculum that includes four units of English; two units of social science; three units of mathematics, including Algebra and Geometry; two units of natural science; and two units of world language. These benchmarks serve as guidelines, and all applicants are reviewed holistically.

Students may enter the University at the beginning of the fall, spring, or summer terms. Admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance into specific academic programs, as certain majors require additional application or departmental approval.

Admission Decision Types

Admission decisions are based primarily on academic performance, with particular attention given to high school grade point average. Applicants with GPAs lower than the standard may be considered through a Conditional Acceptance Process.

Admission Decision

Full Admission

Conditional Acceptance*

Deny

*Conditional Acceptance Process

The Conditional Acceptance Process is designed to provide additional context for students whose academic records fall below the threshold for full admission. As part of this process, students are required to submit an academic letter of recommendation and a one-page essay explaining their reasons for selecting Gardner-Webb University and why they believe the institution is a good fit.

Upon receipt of these materials, the admissions representative will schedule a virtual interview conducted with the Admissions Review Committee, which consists of the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, the Director of Advising, Retention and Academic Coaching, and the Director of Success Initiative and First Year Experiences. Following the interview, the committee will render a final decision, which may result in either denial or conditional acceptance. Students who are offered conditional admission must sign a conditional enrollment agreement before proceeding in the admissions process.

International Students

Gardner-Webb University is authorized to issue documentation for the F-1 student visa. International students may only be issued an F-1 student visa for enrollment in academic programs that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and are authorized under the University’s Form I-17 (Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Students).

International applicants must complete all standard admission requirements, plus provide proof of English Language Proficiency (details below), a passport copy, and Certification of Finance for the first year of study. Once admitted and all required documentation has been received, the University will issue Form I-20, which is required for the student visa application process. Students must use this document to schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and must pay the required SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. Final enrollment is contingent upon visa approval.

Transcript Evaluation

Applicants who have completed secondary or postsecondary education outside of the United States must submit official academic records along with a course-by-course credential evaluation from a recognized evaluation service.

Gardner-Webb University requires that all international transcripts be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Commonly accepted agencies include, but are not limited to, World Education Services (WES) and InCred. The evaluation must be a course-by-course report that includes U.S. grade equivalencies and cumulative grade point average calculations.

All academic records must be submitted in English. If original documents are issued in another language, applicants must provide certified English translations in addition to the original documents. Translations must be completed by a qualified translator or credential evaluation agency.

The credential evaluation report must be sent directly from the evaluation agency to Gardner-Webb University or provided as an official, verifiable document. Evaluations submitted directly by the student may be subject to additional verification.

The University uses credential evaluation to determine academic eligibility for admission and to assess potential transfer credit. Submission of a credential evaluation does not guarantee the transferability of credit, and final determination of transfer credit is made by Gardner-Webb University in accordance with institutional policies.

Applicants are encouraged to begin the credential evaluation process early, as processing times may vary by agency and may delay the completion of an application.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who are citizens of countries where English is not the primary language of instruction, must demonstrate proficiency in English sufficient to succeed in university-level coursework.

Gardner-Webb University accepts the following as evidence of English language proficiency:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum score of 500 (paper-based), 173 (computer-based), or 61 (internet-based)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 5.0
• Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 95

In certain cases, standardized English proficiency testing may be waived. Applicants may demonstrate proficiency through one of the following:

• Submission of qualifying SAT or ACT scores
• Completion of at least 24 credit hours at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, including at least 6 credit hours in English composition or humanities coursework with a grade of “C” or better
• Completion of a degree from an accredited college or university in the United States

All test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency or verified through official documentation. The University reserves the right to request additional documentation or require further evaluation of English proficiency if necessary to ensure student success.

Certification of Finance

All international applicants must demonstrate the financial ability to cover the cost of attendance at Gardner-Webb University as a condition of admission and visa eligibility. Admitted students are required to complete a Certification of Finance Form and provide supporting financial documentation verifying sufficient funds to cover at least one academic year of study. The total amount required is based on the official Cost of Attendance as determined by the University.

Acceptable sources of financial support may include:

• Personal funds held by the student
• Funds provided by a parent or family member
• Sponsorship from an individual or organization

As part of the Certification of Finance process, students must submit official bank documentation that meets the following criteria:

• The document must be issued by a financial institution and include official bank letterhead or certification
• The account holder’s name must match the student or the declared sponsor listed on the Certification of Finance form
• The documentation must be current, issued within the past six months
• The statement must clearly reflect sufficient available funds to meet the required cost of attendance

All financial documentation is subject to review and verification by the University. The University reserves the right to request additional documentation if necessary to confirm financial support. The Certification of Finance must be completed and approved prior to the issuance of the Form I-20. Failure to provide adequate financial documentation may delay the admissions process or prevent the issuance of immigration documents required for study in the United States.

Forms and Information

https://gardner-webb.edu/about/offices-and-departments/campus-unity-connection/international-office/

International students are required to submit their enrollment deposit before the I-20 can be issued.

International students transferring from another institution within or outside the United States must follow similar procedures, including submission of academic records, financial documentation, and, when applicable, transfer of their SEVIS record. All international students must maintain full-time enrollment status in accordance with federal regulations.

As part of its commitment to the health and safety of all students, Gardner-Webb University requires that all international students maintain valid health insurance coverage while studying in the United States. This requirement applies to all undergraduate and graduate international students, including both residential and commuter students.

International students must maintain a health insurance policy that is valid within the United States and provides adequate medical coverage. Students are required to submit proof of health insurance coverage to the Office of Campus Unity and Connections no later than the end of the add/drop period for the applicable academic term.

Students who do not provide acceptable proof of insurance by the stated deadline will be automatically enrolled in a University-approved health insurance plan, and the cost of coverage will be billed to the student’s account. Failure to comply with the health insurance requirement may also result in administrative actions, including the cancellation of course registration or restriction of access to campus services.

Incoming international students are also required to complete and submit all required immunization documentation prior to arrival on campus.

Homeschool Applicants

Homeschool applicants must submit a transcript that includes courses taken, grades earned, extracurricular activities, and a description of the instructional program utilized. Standardized test scores may be submitted to support scholarship consideration but are not required for admission. Any college coursework completed must be documented through official transcripts.

Enrollment Deposit

To confirm enrollment, admitted students must submit an enrollment deposit. The deposit is $300 for undergraduate students. Deposits may be submitted online through the University’s website (www.gardner-webb.edu/deposit) or in person through the Student Accounts Office located in the Dover Campus Center.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students

A student may be admitted as non-degree-seeking student. This category includes individuals who wish to take coursework for personal enrichment, students enrolling in private music instruction as space permits, adults aged 21 or older who are not high school graduates but demonstrate the ability to complete college-level coursework, and college graduates seeking additional study. Non-degree students must submit to the Office of Admissions a completed non-degree student application. After the evaluation of this document, the applicant may be admitted as a non-degree student. Non-degree students are not eligible for institutional scholarships or state or federal financial aid. Credit earned as a non-degree-seeking student is recorded on an official University transcript.

Dual Enrollment

Gardner-Webb University offers dual enrollment opportunities for qualified high school students seeking to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. Eligible students include high school juniors and seniors enrolled in public, private, or homeschool programs.

To be considered for dual enrollment, students must be currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior, have a minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.0, and demonstrate a strong academic record. Students must also receive approval from their high school or homeschool organization and submit all required application materials, including an official high school transcript and a completed permission form. Admission to the dual enrollment program is contingent upon a student’s academic readiness for college-level coursework. Students must meet any required course placements or prerequisites, including those for English, mathematics, or other specialized courses.

Dual enrollment students typically enroll in one to two courses per semester, although limits may apply based on institutional policies or school agreements. Academic advising is provided to ensure students select an appropriate and manageable course load.

Tuition and Fees

Dual enrollment courses are offered at a reduced rate of $450 per course. Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks and required course materials, which vary by course. Some courses may utilize low-cost or digital resources, while others may require specialized materials. Certain courses may include additional lab or course fees to cover consumable materials, specialized software, or other instructional resources. All applicable fees are published in the course offerings at the time of registration.

Additional Information

Participation in dual enrollment does not guarantee admission to Gardner-Webb University as a degree-seeking student following high school graduation. Students who wish to continue their education at Gardner-Webb must complete the standard undergraduate admission process. College credit earned through dual enrollment is recorded on an official Gardner-Webb University transcript and may be applied toward a future degree in accordance with University policies.

Re-Admission to GWU

An undergraduate re-admit student is defined as a student who previously enrolled at Gardner-Webb University and is seeking to return to the University to continue in the same level of academic program.

Students who have not been enrolled for one or more academic terms must apply for re-admission through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students who withdrew from the University in good academic and social standing should submit an application for re-admission along with official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended since their last enrollment at Gardner-Webb University.

Applications for re-admission are reviewed holistically, with consideration given to prior academic performance, any additional coursework completed, and the student’s readiness to resume academic study. The University may consult appropriate campus offices, including the Registrar, Student Financial Planning, and Student Development, in the review process.

Students who were previously dismissed from the University for academic or disciplinary reasons may apply for re-admission after the allotted period of separation defined in their specific case, typically at least one academic term. 

Students who are re-admitted following academic or disciplinary dismissal may be required to enroll under probationary status and must comply with all conditions established by the University for continued enrollment.

Re-admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance into specific academic programs, as certain majors may require additional approval or application. Students seeking admission to a different academic program may be required to apply through the standard admission process. All students must meet current University policies and program requirements at the time of re-admission.

Transfer Admission

Gardner-Webb University welcomes students who have previously enrolled at another college or university and wish to continue their education. A student is considered a transfer applicant only if they have been enrolled exclusively in coursework at a college or university after graduating from high school and have earned more than 15 credit hours. College credit earned through dual enrollment or early college programs prior to high school graduation does not classify a student as a transfer applicant.

Transfer applicants are evaluated based on prior academic performance and must be in good standing at all previously attended institutions. Applicants with 15 to 24 earned collegiate credit hours must submit both an official high school transcript and official college transcripts and must have a minimum cumulative college grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 25 or more earned collegiate credit hours are required to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended and must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

All earned college credit is considered in the admission process, including dual enrollment and early college coursework. Transfer students must submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

Gardner-Webb University evaluates prior coursework for transfer credit as part of the admissions process. A maximum of 76 credit hours may be transferred from a community college, and up to 90 credit hours may be transferred from a four-year college or university. To earn a degree from Gardner-Webb University, students must complete the final 32 credit hours at the University.

1. The student will submit the completed application to the Office of Admissions via the online application portal.
2. The Admissions Committee will review the application when the following credentials are on file: college transcripts for all attended colleges or universities. Interviews and supplemental material may be requested by the Admissions Committee.
3. The Office of Admissions will notify the applicant of the decision regarding admission and any relevant conditions. Admission is subject to the successful completion of the current college term. The student must provide final college transcript.
4. Upon admission to the University, the student must submit a deposit. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable after May 1. Upon enrollment, the deposit will be applied to the student’s account.

Transient Students

Students currently enrolled at another institution may enroll in courses at Gardner-Webb University with the intention of transferring credit back to their home institution. Students are responsible for confirming the transfer-ability of coursework with their home institution prior to enrollment.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may pursue a second baccalaureate degree at Gardner-Webb University. Such students must complete all requirements for the new major, satisfy applicable general education requirements, and complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Gardner-Webb University. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for graduation.