Gardner-Webb University Announces Tuition Freeze For Third Year

Board of Trustees Initiates Measure for fall 2021

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For the third year in a row, Gardner-Webb University has announced a freeze on tuition for traditional undergraduate students enrolled in the Boiling Springs campus program. The freeze will apply to incoming freshmen, transfer students and current undergraduates for fall 2021.

Already a pressing issue for many families, college affordability has been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Universities are looking for ways to continue to recruit and retain students while limiting the cost and subsequent student debt.

“In the world of runaway tuition price tags across North Carolina and across the country, Gardner-Webb is committed again this year to keeping costs flat for our students,” emphasized GWU President Dr. William M. Downs. “At the same time, we are expanding our institutional scholarships and grants to further reduce costs for students and their families. What we won’t do, however, is sacrifice the outstanding quality of instruction for which Gardner-Webb has long been known…that remains a non-negotiable standard of excellence.”

Leadership from the Gardner-Webb Board of Trustees made the tuition freeze possible. Board of Trustees Chair Jennifer Marion Mills noted she’s excited the Board approved this action for another year. “One of our top priorities is offering every student a great education experience at a fair price,” Mills affirmed. “We strongly believe that a third tuition freeze will improve accessibility for all students, especially in the challenging times of the pandemic.”

Moreover, the decision made Gardner-Webb more affordable among the 36 independent colleges and universities in North Carolina. When comparing the tuition rates of these colleges, GWU is 19th on the list, down from 16^th-highest last year.

“Gardner-Webb’s tuition freeze over the last three years demonstrates our commitment to providing an affordable world-class Christian education to our students,” stated Kristen Setzer, vice president for Enrollment Management. “We remain dedicated to finding ways to keep costs down.”

With its average 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio, Gardner-Webb offers students an exceptional education in an environment that promotes student engagement and outcomes. Gardner-Webb continually receives high rankings from Colleges of Distinction, an independent research organization. These honors emphasize GWU’s competencies in teaching critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives, as well as offering dynamic out-of-classroom learning.

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.