Gardner-Webb Foothills Commitment Supports Students From Surrounding Counties

Eligible Freshmen Living on Campus receive a Minimum of 50 Percent Off Tuition

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Officials at Gardner-Webb University remain committed to helping students and families access financial aid offerings in institutional scholarships and grants. Included in these awards is the Foothills Commitment, which supports students from the local area and surrounding counties.

The Foothills Commitment provides a minimum of $15,610 (50 percent of tuition) in all forms of institutional aid to new freshmen students from Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln and Rutherford counties who enroll in a full-time residential undergraduate program at GWU. The reduced rate is renewable, and residents from these counties who apply to GWU and meet the qualifications will automatically be a part of the program. Students will also need to file the FAFSA form. 

“In the crowded marketplace of colleges and universities, Gardner-Webb is standing apart from our competitors who continually raise the cost burden on students,” Downs observed. “Most importantly, we are doing this without compromising the outstanding quality of instruction and the world-class caliber of our degree programs. We invite students from Lincoln, Cleveland, Rutherford and Gaston counties to come for a visit and discover the high-quality education available in their own backyard.”

For some students, like Tommy Austin-Zimmerman of Gaston County, the Foothills Commitment puts Gardner-Webb on their list of colleges to tour. When he came for a visit, “I fell in love with the campus immediately,” said the sophomore psychology major. “Everyone treated me with genuine kindness.” In addition to the Foothills scholarship, Austin-Zimmerman also received other awards through Gardner-Webb’s scholarship programs.

Others, like Whitney Upton of Rutherfordton, N.C., and Jennifer Armstrong of Ellenboro, N.C., already knew they wanted to attend Gardner-Webb. Receiving the Foothills Commitment, along with other financial aid offerings, made their choice more affordable. “I am glad to have the opportunity to attend Gardner Webb,” affirmed Upton, a chemistry major. “Without this scholarship, I feel I would have had a little more difficulty paying for my schooling. I value the extent the teachers go to in order to help you succeed. I will definitely be prepared for what my future holds.”

Armstrong, a psychology major, described GWU as the college of her dreams. Her aunt was an alumna, and her mom had a friend who graduated from the psychology program. “When I started researching colleges, I found Gardner-Webb’s great psychology programs, financial aid options and it was recommended by so many school counselors and teachers,” Armstrong related. “I feel so incredibly lucky to have the scholarships and help I have, financial and otherwise. I’m so grateful for the people and resources I have around me in order to help me make my dreams of being a high school counselor become true.”

For more information about these programs, other financial aid, and Gardner-Webb Admissions, email [email protected] or call 800-253-6472.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.