Mecklenburg County Students at Gardner-Webb Increase by 200% for Fall 2022

Piedmont Promise Gives Eligible Mecklenburg Students 50% Off Tuition  

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University faculty and staff are excited to welcome a significant number of Mecklenburg County, N.C., students to campus for the 2022 Fall Semester. Incoming students from the state’s second-most populous county have increased by 200% this year. These students and families are taking advantage of the new Piedmont Promise—which offers eligible Mecklenburg residents living on campus a minimum of 50% off tuition.

Additionally, the wide-reaching group comes from six public and five private high schools located across the county, including North Mecklenburg, Olympic, Hopewell, Carmel Christian, Butler, Grace Academy, Hickory Grove, Phillip O’Berry, Southlake Christian, and Rocky River.

Mecklenburg County’s diverse population represents a rich mosaic of backgrounds, which most certainly will contribute to Gardner-Webb’s vibrant campus community.

“Our promise to college-seekers from Mecklenburg County is that we will go to extra efforts to make GWU financially accessible,” confirmed Gardner-Webb President William Downs. “GWU is recruiting new students on twin tracks, one that helps us solidify our place as a college of first choice here in our own backyard, and another that extends our geographical reach well beyond North Carolina. The Piedmont Promise is getting noticed, and we are thrilled to have these students from across Mecklenburg joining us this fall.”

The Piedmont Promise is a guaranteed $15,610 or more in institutional aid. Residents of Mecklenburg County who apply to GWU and meet the qualifications will automatically be part of the program. Students must live on campus and will need to file the FAFSA.

The reduced rate is renewable, and the Piedmont Promise will be inclusive of all institutional, federal, and state grant programs. Traditionally, Mecklenburg County is well represented in the GWU student population.

The new aid program follows the Foothills Commitment, initiated in 2019, which provides the same financial incentive to residents of Cleveland, Rutherford, Lincoln, and Gaston counties in North Carolina.

Learn more about the Piedmont Promise and other financial aid opportunities by contacting Undergraduate Admissions at [email protected] or 704-406-2550.

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.