GWU Foothills Commitment, Piedmont Promise Deliver Quality Education Close to Home

Charlotte, N.C., Residents Invited to Learn More at Piedmont Promise Night on March 31

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Through financial aid offerings like the Foothills Commitment and Piedmont Promise, students like Paden White, of Shelby, N.C., pursue high-quality education in their own backyard. Nearby Gardner-Webb University offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors and minors, and opportunities for missions and community service—all in a close-knit community. 

“I chose Gardner-Webb because of the atmosphere,” shared the junior. “Because the class sizes at GWU are smaller than most schools, you really get to develop a personal relationship with your professors and also get to know your classmates. It is so nice knowing just about everyone’s name on campus, and we are just one great big family.”

The Foothills Commitment is available to residents of Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston and Rutherford counties, and the Piedmont Promise is for Mecklenburg County residents. These initiatives provide a minimum of $15,610 (50 percent of tuition) in all forms of institutional aid to new freshmen students from those 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 also need to file the FAFSA form.

On Thursday, March 31, residents of Mecklenburg County are invited to learn more about Piedmont Promise at an event at GWU’s Charlotte Campus. The program begins at 6:30 p.m., and attendees will learn helpful information from the GWU Admissions Team and receive details about half-off tuition.  

“For my family and me, the Foothills Commitment means so much,” White affirmed. “It has lowered the financial burden that college puts on us, while also allowing me to pursue my undergraduate degree at an amazing college that is in my hometown.”

White, who expects to graduate in 2024, is majoring in accounting and minoring in finance. He’s a member of Phi Beta Lambda, a business club. “I have always found budgeting fascinating, and I also like coaching others on how to get the most out of their money,” White explained. “I hope to one day become a financial analyst for a large corporation such as BMW, Lockheed Martin, etc.”

His coursework and extracurricular opportunities are developing his skills in time management and written communication. “In college, we are given so many opportunities to do things outside of the classroom, so I had to learn really quick how to balance my time,” he related. “Written communication is so important in my future job, and it is something I have learned by communicating with my professors.”

For more information about the Foothills Commitment and Piedmont Promise, other financial aid offerings, and Gardner-Webb Admissions, email [email protected] or call 800-253-6472.

Residents of Mecklenburg County may register for Piedmont Promise Night at GWU’s Charlotte Campus by going here.

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.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.