‘Piedmont Promise’ Enhances College Affordability for Mecklenburg 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 the “Piedmont Promise” for Mecklenburg County residents. For any new freshmen from Mecklenburg County, who will be living on campus, GWU pledges a minimum of 50 percent off tuition.

“The Piedmont Promise is access to world-class, affordable education,” shared Julie C. Fleming assistant vice president for Undergraduate Admissions. “It’s 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. For the Fall 2021 semester, Mecklenburg students (227) represent the second largest N.C. county enrolled at Gardner-Webb. They are only surpassed by Cleveland County with 367 students.

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.

“We’ve seen so much initial success attracting new students to Gardner-Webb through our Foothills Commitment that the next logical step is to make it easier for Mecklenburg County families to also choose GWU,” explained President Dr. William Downs. “In the crowded marketplace of colleges and universities, Gardner-Webb proudly distinguishes itself for the quality of our academic programs, for the inspirational teaching of our faculty, and for the amazing array of signature experiences available to our students. We’re committed to bringing more Mecklenburg students here so that they, too, may experience The Webb!”  

Learn more about the “Piedmont Promise” and other financial aid opportunities by contacting Undergraduate Admissions at [email protected] or 704-406-4498.

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.

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.