At Gardner-Webb University, we believe the opportunity to pursue a private, Christian higher education should not be limited by what a family can afford.
Beginning Fall 2027, The Open Door Guarantee will help make that opportunity possible for more students. Eligible new undergraduate students from families with an income of $100,000 or less* can have 100% of their standard tuition and mandatory university fees covered through scholarships and grants. No separate Open Door Guarantee application is required.
The Open Door Guarantee is available to qualifying new first-time freshmen and transfer students entering Gardner-Webb in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028.**
To qualify, students must:
Student-athletes receiving an athletic scholarship from Gardner-Webb are not eligible for The Open Door Guarantee but may qualify for other forms of financial aid.
For eligible students, scholarships and grants combine to cover 100% of standard full-time Traditional Undergraduate tuition and mandatory university fees.
Mandatory university fees covered by The Open Door Guarantee include:
Loans are not used to fulfill The Open Door Guarantee.
Additional financial assistance may be available to help with expenses not covered by the Guarantee, including housing, meals, books and other educational costs.
Complete your application for admission to an eligible Gardner-Webb Traditional Undergraduate program.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Gardner-Webb’s school code: 002929.
Students should complete the 2027–2028** FAFSA by March 1, 2027, for priority consideration.
We’ll use the information provided through your FAFSA and required financial aid documentation to determine whether you qualify.
If you’re eligible, applicable federal, state and Gardner-Webb scholarships and grants are applied first. Gardner-Webb then provides additional institutional funding, if necessary, to cover the remaining eligible tuition and mandatory university fees.
No separate Open Door Guarantee application is required.
For eligible first-time freshmen, The Open Door Guarantee can cover tuition and mandatory university fees for up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters while pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, as long as the student continues to meet eligibility requirements each year.
To continue receiving the Guarantee, students must requalify each year, including completing the FAFSA, maintaining a family AGI of $100,000 or less and continuing to meet applicable enrollment, academic and program requirements.
Transfer-student eligibility is based on transfer credits, academic standing upon entry and the remaining time reasonably required to complete the first bachelor’s degree.
The Open Door Guarantee is one way Gardner-Webb is working to make a private, Christian education more affordable, but it’s not the only opportunity.
3.5 GPA? You May Qualify for 50% Off Tuition.
Qualifying first-time freshman students with a 3.5 weighted GPA or higher may receive a merit scholarship equal to 50% of tuition.
Gardner-Webb also offers additional academic scholarships, grants, competitive awards and other financial aid opportunities based on individual eligibility.
Financial aid can feel complicated. Gardner-Webb’s Admission team can help you understand whether you qualify, what your financial aid offer includes and what costs may remain.
For detailed information about income eligibility, FAFSA requirements, mandatory fees, other financial aid, renewal, residency and special circumstances, visit our complete Open Door Guarantee FAQs.
View the Open Door Guarantee FAQs or Contact Your Admissions Counselor.
A private, Christian education may be more affordable than you think.
Apply to Gardner-Webb and complete the FAFSA to take the next step toward determining whether you qualify for The Open Door Guarantee.
*For purposes of The Open Door Guarantee, income eligibility is based on family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as determined through the FAFSA and confirmed by Gardner-Webb University.
**The Open Door Guarantee is subject to enrollment, available funding and the continuation of applicable federal and state aid programs. Gardner-Webb reserves the right to modify or discontinue the program in its discretion.
The Open Door Guarantee is available to qualifying students and is subject to applicable eligibility requirements. Program terms and awards are subject to change.
