‘Foothills Commitment’ Expands to Provide Grants to Lincoln County Residents

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

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Officials at Gardner-Webb University recently announced that the “Foothills Commitment” program is expanding to Lincoln County, N.C. For any new freshmen from Lincoln County, who will be living on campus, GWU pledges a minimum of 50 percent off tuition.

“We are excited to expand our Foothills Commitment program to Lincoln County,” shared Julie C. Fleming, interim vice president for GWU Enrollment Management. “The scholarship opportunity continues our commitment to our surrounding community and state. Each year, Gardner-Webb University enrolls great students from Lincoln County who become active, engaged, and thriving members of the University community.”

Initiated in December 2019, the “Foothills Commitment,” began by providing the financial incentive to residents of Cleveland, Rutherford, and Gaston counties in North Carolina. The reduced rate is renewable, and residents from these counties—and now Lincoln County—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. The “Foothills Commitment” will be inclusive of all institutional, federal, and state grant programs.

“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.”

The Gardner-Webb Admissions team will be meeting with administrators at high schools in Lincoln County during November, including face-to-face meetings on Nov. 18^th with Interim Superintendent Dr. Aaron Allen and the administrations of West Lincoln, North Lincoln and Lincolnton high schools.

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.