Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. How do I apply for financial aid?

You may apply online at FAFSA.ed.gov. Remember that you will be asked to use your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to sign your application electronically. If you need a paper FAFSA, please contact your guidance counselor or GWU.

2. Where do I sign up for a PIN?

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) represents your electronic signature.  The student and one parent must have a PIN to complete your FAFSA online. Please go to PIN.ed.gov to register for a PIN or if you have forgotten your PIN.

3. Do I need to complete the FAFSA if I think that I will not qualify for federal aid?

Yes. This form will need to be completed if you are going to consider student loans to help finance your education. This form provides you the opportunity for any federal programs.


4. Do I need to complete all sections of the FAFSA?

Yes. Please read the instructions carefully and complete all sections. Remember to complete the application from the perspective of the student.


5. My parents are divorced; whose income do I use on the FAFSA?

The income of the parent with whom you reside and provides at least 51% of your care. If your parent has remarried, the step-parent's income will also need to be reported. You will use the tax information for the household where you reside.


6. I live at home but, my parents are not providing for me financially. How do I complete the FAFSA?

Unless you can answer yes to at least one of the questions 48 through 54 on the FAFSA you are considered a dependent student and you are required to provide parental tax information.


7. I (the student) have a child; does that make me an independent student?

Only if you provide 51% of the care for that child. Otherwise, you are still a dependent of your parents.


8. I am receiving a full athletic scholarship; do I still need to complete the FAFSA?

Yes. Gardner-Webb University requires all athletes to complete the FAFSA.


9. When will I know exactly how much financial aid I have been awarded?

Please login to MyWebb with your user name and password to review your financial aid award.


10. Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?

Yes. You will need to complete a FAFSA form each year. The Federal Government will mail you a renewal application automatically.


11. How can I be considered for special circumstances?

In order for special circumstances to be considered, a student must first complete the FAFSA with the data that is requested. Once the student has received confirmation that the application has been processed, they should forward a letter to the Financial Planning office describing the special circumstances and any documentation that verifies their claim. A counselor will review the special circumstance and notify the student of any changes that are made.

Verification and Tax Information

1. Where can I find a copy of my taxes and W-2 forms?

You should have a copy of your previous year's taxes and W-2 forms if you prepared your taxes yourself. If someone prepared them for you, contact your preparer to obtain a copy. Finally, you may also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to acquire copies of your documents. Your employer is required to keep copies of your W-2 form for a certain period of time and will be able to provide you with copies.

Loans and Refunds

1. I received notification that a loan had disbursed to my student account. When can I expect the overage to be refunded to me?

If you are eligible to receive a refund, you should expect those funds within 14 days of the date your loan posted to your student account. Funds post to student accounts by the third business day after the disbursement date listed on your Notice of Guarantee and Loan Disclosure Statement. Keep in mind that if your loan is a one-semester-only loan, the funds will not fully disburse until after the mid-semester point. It may be after that second disbursement before any refund is generated. Refunds will be mailed to your address listed with the University. It is important that you keep this information current.