Gardner-Webb University makes every effort to assist students in securing the necessary resources to afford a Gardner-Webb education. The University provides various forms of financial aid to bridge the financial “gap” between the Cost of Attendance and the amount the student and/or parents can reasonably be expected to provide.
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, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, or other school-administered programs.
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 Attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, and expenses for books, 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. The deadline to file your FAFSA each year is May 28. 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, along with the processed results. If additional information is needed or required (verification, missing signature, etc), notification will be sent to the student (applicant). Additional processing deadlines for each term (October 15th for fall, March 15th for spring and June 1st for summer) must be met for those additional items before any aid can be awarded. If no other requirements are needed and the student has been accepted and/or enrolled, 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 MyGWU. (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.
Scholarships and Institutional Aid
Scholarships and Institutional Aid
Gardner-Webb University is committed to making a high-quality, private education accessible and affordable. All undergraduate students admitted to the University are automatically considered for institutional merit scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement. These merit-based awards are determined at the time of admission and are renewable based on continued academic progress.
Freshman Merit Scholarships
|
Scholarship
|
Required GWU GPA for Maintenance
|
|
Trustee
|
3.2
|
|
Presidential
|
3.0
|
|
Provost
|
3.0
|
|
Dean’s
|
2.8
|
|
Achievement
|
2.8
|
Transfer Merit Scholarships
|
Scholarship
|
Required GWU GPA for Maintenance
|
|
Transfer Provost
|
3.0
|
|
Transfer Dean’s
|
2.8
|
|
Transfer Achievement
|
2.8
|
|
Transfer Opportunity
|
2.8
|
In addition to merit scholarships, Gardner-Webb University offers a variety of competitive, talent-based, and need-based scholarships and grants. These opportunities recognize academic excellence, leadership, service, artistic ability, athletic participation, and alignment with the University’s mission and values. Some scholarships require a separate application, audition, or interview process.
Eligibility for institutional aid may vary based on student qualifications, program participation, and available funding. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based assistance and certain institutional programs.
|
Available Assistance
|
Award Criteria
|
Amounts Available
|
|
Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength Scholarships
|
The Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving traditional undergraduate 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. First-time incoming freshmen students are eligible to apply.
This scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years, for 8 semesters (fall/spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA, full-time enrollment and reside in University housing. This scholarship replaces all merit, talent, need and non-need-based Gardner-Webb University assistance previously received and is not applicable to study abroad experiences.
|
Full Tuition, Room, Board, and Fees
|
|
Tucker Participation Award
|
Students who are nominated for the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength Scholarship, complete the application process, are selected for and participate in the interview process, but are not selected to receive the primary scholarship award, will receive a participation award.
This award is renewable for up to 4 years, for 8 semesters (fall/spring semesters). A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
$2,000/year
|
|
Ignite Excellence Scholarship
|
Ignite Excellence Scholarships are Gardner-Webb’s most competitive academic awards. Selected students are invited to participate in an on-campus interview designed to identify candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service. Interview spots are limited. First-time incoming freshmen students are eligible to apply.
Key Details
- Interview Format: In-person, Invitation-only after admission to Gardner-Webb University
- Eligibility: Unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher
This scholarship is renewable up to 4 years, for 8 semesters (fall/spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative 3.2 GPA, full-time enrollment and reside in University housing. This award is equal to the annual cost of full-time tuition up to 18 hours per semester. This scholarship replaces all merit, talent, need and non-need-based Gardner-Webb University assistance previously received and is not applicable to study abroad experiences.
|
8 – Full tuition scholarship awards
|
|
Ignite Participation Award
|
Students who complete the application process for the Ignite Excellence Scholarship, are selected for and participate in the interview process, but are not selected to receive one of the 8 primary scholarship awards, will receive a participation award.
This award is renewable for up to 4 years, for 8 semesters (fall/spring semesters). A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
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$1,000/year
|
|
Godbold Business Scholarship
|
Awarded to one student per year demonstrating academic achievement and leadership who are pursuing a major in business or a related discipline, with emphasis on service and community engagement.
Eligible Business majors include Accounting, Economics and Finance, Healthcare Management, International Business, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Sport Management, and Wealth Management.
This scholarship is renewable up to 4 years, for 8 semesters (fall/spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative 3.2 GPA, full-time enrollment and reside in University housing. This award is equal to the annual cost of full-time tuition up to 18 hours per semester. This scholarship replaces all merit, talent, need and non-need-based Gardner-Webb University assistance previously received and is not applicable to study abroad experiences.
|
1 – full tuition scholarship
|
|
Belk-Ellis Scholarship
|
Awarded to students demonstrating academic achievement and leadership who are pursuing a major in business or a related discipline, with emphasis on service and community engagement. Recipients must be residents of Cleveland or Rutherford County, North Carolina.
Eligible Business majors include Accounting, Economics and Finance, Healthcare Management, International Business, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Sport Management, and Wealth Management.
This scholarship is stackable with all merit, talent, need and non-need-based Gardner-Webb University assistance previously received for the first year of study at GWU.
|
$3,000 for 1st year
|
|
LeGrand-Ware Scholarship
|
Awarded to students demonstrating academic achievement and leadership who are pursuing a major in business or a related discipline, with emphasis on service and community engagement. Recipients must be residents of Cleveland or Rutherford County, North Carolina.
Eligible Business majors includeAccounting, Economics and Finance, Healthcare Management, International Business, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Sport Management, and Wealth Management.
This scholarship is stackable with all merit, talent, need and non-need-based Gardner-Webb University assistance previously received for the first year of study at GWU.
|
$6,000 for 1st year
|
|
Searight Multicultural Leadership Scholarship
|
Provides support to first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to diversity. This scholarship is designed to equip recipients with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective leaders and contributors within their communities and professional fields. Recipients are required to enroll in and complete the Searight Leadership Certificate Program.
Recipients must enroll in the Searight PACE Leadership Certificate Program upon their enrollment at Gardner-Webb University.
|
$4,000/year
|
|
Joseph Freeman Scholarship
|
Provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Crest High School, Burns High School, Shelby High School, or Kings Mountain High School who demonstrate academic potential, motivation, and significant financial need. Recipients are selected based on academic ability, character, and demonstrated need, with preference given to students facing exceptional financial challenges.
|
Amounts vary
|
|
R.W. Andrews Scholarship
|
Provides a comprehensive award covering the remaining balance of tuition, room and board, and required books for a male student from Cleveland County, NC who is enrolling in a traditional, on-campus undergraduate program at Gardner-Webb University. This scholarship is intended for an incoming first-year student who is not participating as a recruited student-athlete. Recipients are selected based on demonstrated academic merit, financial need, first-generation college student status, commitment to diversity, and strong character. Students must reside on campus and maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing within the University and community.
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Remaining balance of tuition, room and board, and required books
|
|
Church Match Scholarship
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Provided to support students who receive financial assistance from a Christian church or organization with a clearly defined Christian mission and identity. The University will match eligible contributions up to $5,000, not to exceed the cost of tuition. Matching funds are typically applied evenly across the academic year. Recipients must provide appropriate documentation verifying church membership and the financial contribution from the sponsoring organization. Only one church-sponsored award may be matched per student. Students must be enrolled full-time in a traditional undergraduate program to be eligible. This scholarship is not available to student-athletes receiving athletic aid. All institutional gift aid, including the Church Match Scholarship and the original church contribution, may not exceed the cost of tuition. All required documentation and funds must be submitted by the published institutional deadline for consideration each year. Final eligibility and award decisions are determined by the University’s scholarship committee. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive the Church Match Scholarship.
|
up to $5,000, not to exceed the cost of tuition
|
|
Minister’s Dependent Grant
|
Awarded to a dependent student, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (excluding spouses), of a full-time, ordained minister or a full-time, ordained employee of a Christian church or church-related agency. This scholarship is intended to support students whose families are engaged in vocational ministry and service. Eligible students must submit required documentation verifying dependent status and ministerial employment. Awards are provided annually and are renewable based on continued eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
$5,500/year
|
|
Christian Educators Grant
|
Awarded to a dependent student, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (excluding spouses), of a full-time employee of a private, independent Christian school. This grant is intended to support students whose families are engaged in Christian education. Only one grant is awarded per household, and employees of homeschool co-operatives or similar groups are not eligible. Eligible students must be enrolled as first-time, full-time undergraduate students in a traditional on-campus program. Documentation verifying the parent or guardian’s full-time employment at an eligible institution is required. Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible. This grant may require annual reapplication. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
$1,000/year
|
|
Honors Program Scholarship
|
Awarded to students who are accepted into Gardner-Webb University’s Honors Program during the initial admissions application process. To maintain eligibility for the scholarship, recipients must remain in good standing with the Honors Program and continue to meet all program requirements. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
|
$1,000/year
|
|
Legacy Grant
|
The Legacy Grant is awarded to students who have a parent, grandparent, or sibling who graduated from Gardner-Webb University. This grant recognizes the continued connection of alumni families to the University and supports their educational pursuits. Only one grant is awarded per enrolled student. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time in a traditional undergraduate program. Documentation verifying the qualifying family relationship is required. Awards are provided annually and are subject to institutional policies and continued eligibility. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
$500
|
|
Christian Service Organization (CSO) Scholarship
|
Awarded to students who are preparing for full-time Christian vocational service. This scholarship is intended to support students pursuing academic programs aligned with ministry, church leadership, or related fields. Eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must complete all required application materials and maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible. Award amounts are determined annually and vary based on financial need and available funding. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
Amounts vary
|
|
Gardner-Webb Affordability Award
|
This award is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA and helps cover a portion of the remaining educational costs after other grants and scholarships have been applied. Eligibility and award amounts may vary based on each student’s academic merit and need level. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
Amounts vary
|
|
Director’s Choice Award
|
Awarded to students who demonstrate significant financial need through the financial aid appeals process. Recipients are selected by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee based on individual circumstances and the information provided during the appeal review. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
A student must maintain their housing status and remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
Amounts very
|
|
Early Admission Grant
|
Students who meet the requirements for the Early Admission Advantage (EAA) program are awarded this additional grant. (Students who submit a completed application by November and submit the enrollment deposit by January 15 are considered EAA students). Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
$500/year
|
|
Honors Music Scholarships
|
Awarded based on performance during an on-campus audition, with recipients selected by the music faculty in coordination with the Financial Planning Office. Scholarships are renewable based on continued participation and performance throughout the academic year. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
Amounts vary
|
|
Marching Band Scholarships
|
Awarded by the Director of Bands and coordinated with the Financial Planning Office, this scholarship is based on participation in the band. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
|
$1,000/year
|
|
Pep Band Scholarships
|
Pep Band Scholarships are awarded by the Band Director and communicated to the Office of Financial Planning. The award amount is $250 and is awarded during the spring semester. Scholarships are renewable provided the student continues participation each year. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
|
$250/year
|
|
Transfer Housing Grant
|
This award is for students transferring to Gardner-Webb that plan to be residential students. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible. (Dual enrollment does not qualify a student as a transfer student).
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
$5,000/year
|
|
Bulldog Way Grant
|
This award is for students transferring to Gardner-Webb directly from Cleveland Community College, Isothermal Community College, or Gaston College that plan to be commuter students. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible. (Dual enrollment does not qualify a student as a transfer student).
A student must remain in good academic standing based on the requirements of their merit scholarship to receive this award.
|
$3,000/year
|
|
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Room and Board Scholarship
|
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Room and Board Scholarships are available to students receiving an Army ROTC scholarship. Gardner-Webb University will cover the cost of a standard double room and the 21-meal plan, less any applicable federal or state grants. The scholarship is renewable each year provided the student continues to receive the ROTC scholarship. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
|
Amounts vary
|
|
Luther Butler Scholarship
|
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). Funding for this scholarship is provided by the NCBSC. Students must complete a separate online application by February 15 each year. A new application is required annually for renewal consideration. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
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Amounts vary
|
|
Athletic Scholarships
|
Athletic scholarships are awarded by the head coach of each respective sport in coordination with the University Athletic Director and the Athletic Compliance Office. Gardner-Webb University offers athletic scholarship opportunities in the following sports: baseball, men and women’s basketball, cross country, football, men and women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, men and women’s soccer, softball, men and women’s swimming, men and women’s track and field, women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling, women’s acrobatics and tumbling, and women’s flag football.
Students interested in athletic scholarships should contact the coach of their sport of interest regarding eligibility and selection criteria. Scholarship awards are determined based on athletic ability, program needs, and institutional guidelines.
Students who have received a financial aid award but do not see an athletic scholarship included should contact the appropriate coach for further information.
|
Amounts vary
|
|
Study Abroad
|
Study Abroad encourages students to participate in study abroad opportunities as part of their educational experience. These programs help students develop global awareness, cultural understanding, personal growth, and foreign language skills while gaining valuable experiences that can enhance future career opportunities. Financial assistance is limited to certain approved programs. Students must complete a Study Abroad application with the Office of Financial Planning for financial consideration.
Gardner-Webb also sponsors short-term international travel experiences during the academic year and summer sessions. With prior approval, students may earn academic credit for study and travel abroad. Limited financial assistance may be available for students who meet eligibility requirements. Students receiving Athletic Scholarships are not eligible.
|
Amounts vary
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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:
- Is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
- Is maintaining satisfactory academic progress according to established standards;
- 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
- 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.
* 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, including Parent PLUS Loans. 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.
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.
Scholarship Maintenance
Students receiving institutional scholarships from Gardner-Webb University are expected to maintain the minimum cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) required for their scholarship. Scholarship eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester. Minimum GPA requirements for each scholarship are listed below.
If a student’s institutional GPA falls below the required minimum, the student will be placed on scholarship probation. Students on scholarship probation remain eligible to receive scholarship funding during the probationary semester. However, if the required cumulative GPA is not achieved by the end of the probationary term, the scholarship will be rescinded for the following semester.
| Trustee Scholarship |
3.2 |
| Presidential Scholarship |
3.0 |
| Provost Scholarship |
3.0 |
| Dean’s Scholarship |
2.8 |
| Achievement Scholarship |
2.8 |
* Ignite Excellence Scholarship recipients must maintain a cumulative institutional GPA of 3.5 at the conclusion of each academic year, remain enrolled full-time, and continue residing on campus.
* Nursing students must remain in good standing within the nursing program in place of the GPA requirements listed above to retain institutional scholarship funding.
General Appeals
Students may appeal the loss of a scholarship by submitting a written appeal to the Office of Financial Planning. Appeals must include documentation supporting any extenuating circumstances. Students with questions regarding the appeal process should contact the Financial Planning Office at fpappeals@gardner-webb.edu.
Athletic Appeals
Athletic scholarships are awarded and managed by the Office of Athletics in accordance with applicable NCAA bylaws and University policies. The Office of Athletics is responsible for informing the Financial Planning Office of scholarship awards, renewals, reductions, and/or non-renewals. The Financial Planning Office then notifies student-athletes of those decisions.
The Athletic Department also oversees the athletic scholarship appeal process for student-athletes who wish to appeal decisions related to the renewal, reduction, or cancellation of athletic aid. All appeals are reviewed according to institutional procedures and NCAA regulations.
Alternative Funding
Sources Outside Gardner-Webb University
Outside Scholarships
Outside scholarship opportunities are administered by entities other than Gardner-Webb University. In addition to GWU scholarships, many organizations offer scholarships for students pursuing higher education, and Gardner-Webb University strongly encourages students to apply for such assistance. All outside scholarships must be reported to GWU’s Office of Financial Planning. For up-to-date information, please visit our website.
Alternative Loans
Alternative Loans are an option when additional funding is needed to meet your educational expenses. The deadline to apply for the upcoming year is June 15th. Gardner-Webb University does not have a Preferred Lender List; therefore, we do not promote or endorse any specific lender. Students are free to choose any lender they wish. We may ask for additional information regarding your lender before completing certification of your Alternative Loan.
FASTChoice is a tool that provides the lenders that students historically have used to fund their alternative loan needs at Gardner-Webb. It allows students and parents the ability to search, compare, and apply for alternative loans.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) refers to the requirement that students receiving financial aid enroll in and complete sufficient credits each term, to complete their studies within a reasonable period of time, as well as maintain an acceptable cumulative GPA.
Gardner-Webb University is required to establish minimum academic standards that students must meet to be eligible, or maintain eligibility, for Federal and State financial aid, including grants, loans and college work-study. SAP is evaluated at the end of each semester, and students who are not meeting the SAP criteria may be placed on financial aid probation and eventual suspension from receiving financial aid (including all types of financial aid).
Quantitative Standards
Regulations allow a student to maintain eligibility for attempting credit hours that are 150% of the credit hours required to receive a degree. In order to meet this quantitative standard, students must complete and earn 67% of Gardner-Webb courses attempted each academic semester. Failing to complete 67% of the cumulative attempted institutional hours at the end of the semester will result in the student being placed on Financial Aid Warning, during which time the student may continue to receive financial aid. If the student has not completed 67% of the cumulative attempted institutional hours at the end of the subsequent semester, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. While on Financial Aid Suspension, the student will not be eligible to receive financial aid.
| Hours Attempted |
Hours Earned to Meet 67% Requirement |
| 3 |
2 |
| 6 |
4 |
| 9 |
6 |
| 12 |
8 |
| 15 |
10 |
Qualitative Standards
In order to maintain eligibility for financial aid with the qualitative standard, a student must maintain the academic standing necessary to remain at Gardner-Webb. The qualitative policy is the same as the academic policies of Gardner-Webb. The cumulative, institutional grade point average will be used to determine good academic standing, probation, suspension, and eligibility for financial aid. The cumulative, institutional GPA will be checked at the end of each semester for SAP. The student on good academic standing will remain eligible. A student on Academic Probation will be on Financial Aid Warning. A student on Academic Suspension will be on Financial Aid Suspension.
The qualitative requirements (minimum GPA) for undergraduate, second bachelor’s degree and initial teaching certificate students are as described below:
- Freshmen (0-29 hrs earned) 1.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Sophomore (30-59 hrs earned) 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Junior (60-89 hrs earned) 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Senior (90 or more hrs earned) 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Graduate and professional students must maintain a cumulative GPA that is equivalent to the graduation standards published by their program.
Maximum Time Frame
A reasonable length of time for the completion of a degree program is defined as no more than 150% of the normal time required to complete a degree program, as measured by credits attempted and including transfer credits.
There is no Financial Aid Warning semester for students who exceed the maximum time frame requirement. Students will be suspended from financial aid eligibility the semester following the semester their attempted hours exceed 150%.
Each graduate division determines the number of credits by which the student normally completes the degree. This information is available in the individual graduate program catalogs.
Additional Policies and Circumstances
Audit Courses
Students are not eligible to receive financial aid for audit courses. Audited courses are not included in the number of hours attempted or earned for SAP determination. Students do not receive a grade in audited classes.
Summer Term Courses
All hours attempted and completed in the summer terms are treated as any other semester hours in determining SAP.
Withdrawals
Any course with a “W” or “WF” is considered as hours attempted. Students should be aware that excessive withdrawals from classes could result in the loss of financial aid at some point in future semesters due to the 67% quantitative standard for SAP.
For more information on our withdrawal policy, please click here.
Repeating Courses
When courses with grades of D, F, or WF are repeated with a C or higher grade, the unsatisfactory grades and course attempts will not be included in the calculation of the GPA (qualitative). However, courses with grades of D, F, or WF that are later repeated are counted in total number of hours attempted (quantitative).
Second Degrees
Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution are eligible to apply for financial assistance. The maximum eligibility will be 245 attempted credit hours (150% of the minimum degree requirement plus an additional 60 hours).
Evaluation
Satisfactory Academic Progress, as well as students who receive all Ws, Fs, or WFs, will be evaluated at the end of each semester.
Appeals
Students on Financial Aid Suspension will be notified if they are eligible for appeal to the SAP Appeals Committee. An appeal must be based on specific extenuating circumstances. Examples may include but are not limited to death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other extenuating circumstances. There is a formal request form that must be completed along with a statement explaining the extenuating circumstances. Documentation supporting the extenuating circumstances must also be submitted. In addition, the SAP Appeals Form and SAP Academic Plan Form must be submitted.
The required Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form, along with all supporting documentation, must be sent to the fpappeals@gardner-webb.edu.
The determination of the appeal will be made available to the student (through email to GWU email address) within 14 business days.
Incompletes
Any course with a “I’ or “IN” is considered as hours attempted. Students should be aware that incomplete grades will not count as a passing grade and may negatively impact the 67% quantitative standard for SAP. If an incomplete grade is earned prior to the first day of the first day of classes in the subsequent semester, the student may make a written request to fpappeals@gardner-webb.edu to have their SAP calculation reviewed; reviews of prior incompletes will not happen automatically.
If a Financial Aid Suspension appeal is approved, then the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one semester, and eligibility reinstated for financial aid during that semester. The student must make Satisfactory Academic Progress within the probation semester in order to continue their eligibility for financial aid in subsequent semesters.
Verification
The U.S. Department of Education may select a student’s FAFSA for a process called verification. Verification is a federally required process used to confirm the accuracy of information reported on the FAFSA. Students selected for verification may be required to submit additional documentation to the Office of Financial Planning before financial aid eligibility can be finalized.
Requested documentation may include tax information, household information, verification worksheets, proof of identity, or other supporting documentation as required by federal regulations. Failure to submit requested documentation in a timely manner may delay financial aid processing and may affect eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Gardner-Webb University reserves the right to request additional documentation at any time to resolve conflicting information or ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Professional Judgment
The Office of Financial Planning understands that changes in a student’s or family’s circumstances may affect financial aid eligibility. Under federal regulations, financial aid administrators may review special or unusual circumstances on a case-by-case basis through the professional judgment process.
Examples of special circumstances may include significant changes in income, loss of employment, divorce, separation, death of a parent or spouse, or unusual medical expenses. Examples of unusual circumstances may include unsafe family environments, abandonment, parental estrangement, or other circumstances that may warrant a dependency override.
Students requesting consideration through professional judgment will be required to provide supporting documentation. Submission of documentation does not guarantee approval of an adjustment or dependency override.
Beginning with the 2024–2025 award year, students who indicate unusual circumstances on the FAFSA may receive provisional independent status pending review by the Office of Financial Planning.
Withdraw Policy
Withdraw Policy
Federal Aid
Federal law specifies how Gardner-Webb University must determine the amount of federal (Title IV) financial aid that you earn if you withdraw from school. The federal programs included under this law are Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. When you withdraw during your payment period, the amount of federal financial aid that you have earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If you received more assistance than you earned, the excess funds must be returned to the government by Gardner-Webb University and/or you. This is called a Return to Title IV (or R2T4). The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if you completed 30% of your payment period, you earn 30% of the assistance you were originally scheduled to receive. Though your aid is posted to your account just after the start of each semester, you earn the funds as you complete the semester. Title IV financial aid is earned by the calendar day, not class day. This includes weekends, holidays, and breaks of less than five consecutive days. Once you have completed more than 60% of the payment period, you earn all the assistance that you were scheduled to receive for that period. Once your withdrawal has been processed by the Registrar’s office and has notified the Office of Financial Planning, a calculation will be completed, if applicable, according to these guidelines. Returned Title IV funds are allocated in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Direct Loans (other than Direct PLUS Loans)
- Subsidized Direct Loans
- Direct PLUS Loans
- Federal Pell Grants
- FSEOG
Mandatory returns may create a significant indebtedness for you if this aid was used to pay for charges for which you are still responsible or if you received these funds as a refund prior to an official withdrawal. These funds must be returned even if GWU provides no refund to the student.
Grant Overpayment
Any amount of unearned grant funds that the student must return is called an overpayment. The maximum amount of a grant overpayment the student must repay is half the grant funds that were received or scheduled to receive. The student does not have to repay a grant overpayment if the original amount of the overpayment is $50 or less. Arrangements must be made with GWU or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds. The student will be notified of any grant overpayment within 30 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew.
Post-Withdrawal Disbursement
If you received (or Gardner-Webb University or your parent received on your behalf) less assistance than the amount that you earned, you may be able to receive those additional funds as a Post-Withdrawal Disbursement. If the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, the student must give permission before the funds can be disbursed. GWU may automatically use all or a portion of the post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges. Permission is required to use the post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other school charges. Students will be notified of post-withdrawal disbursement eligibility within 30 days of the date of withdrawal determination. The school must return the Title IV funds within 45 days of the date the school determines the student withdrew.
Non-Federal Aid
Financial aid is expected to help meet educational costs, so any academic, housing, or meal plan refunds resulting from your withdrawal from the university will be returned to the financial aid programs from which you received assistance. University, state, and outside scholarships may be adjusted based on the tuition refund schedule. You may be required to return funds from previously issued financial aid refund checks.
Other General Info
Indebtedness to the university created by the return of aid must be resolved before you can reenroll or be issued an academic transcript. Federal regulations prohibit the use of federal financial aid to pay prior-year balances. Therefore, you need to consider the payment of any outstanding balances as you make plans to return to school.
Unofficial Withdrawal
An unofficial withdrawal occurs when a student does not successfully complete any of their courses (receives all F grades or @F grades), stops attending classes, and does not complete any coursework as of the 60% point of the semester or summer term without formally withdrawing from the university, as required. An unofficial withdrawal may be required to repay up to 50% of the financial aid received for the term. Forms of federal financial aid are subject to calculations based on the Return to Title IV Aid. Students who never attended any of their classes and did not complete any course work are required to repay 100% of the financial aid received for the semester or summer term. Students who stop attending all of their classes are required to officially withdraw from the university.