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Paying for College: A Guide for Students and Families

Three female students walking on campus

How will we pay for college? It is one of the biggest questions students and families bring to the college search. Understanding the costs, the financial aid available and the steps to apply can help you build a plan with greater confidence.

At 秀色短视频-Webb University, there is more than one path to making a private, Christian education more affordable. Scholarships, grants and other financial assistance can help reduce your costs as you prepare for your future.

Use this guide to understand your options, ask the right questions and take your next steps.

1. Understand the Total Cost of College

Tuition is only one part of your college budget. You will also need to plan for fees, housing, meals, books, transportation and personal expenses.

Two terms can help you compare your options:

  • Cost of attendance: The estimated cost of attending a college, including charges billed by the university and other educational and living expenses.
  • Net price: Your cost of attendance minus scholarships and grants. Loans help finance the remaining cost, but they do not reduce your net price.

A college鈥檚 published tuition does not tell you what your family will pay after scholarships and grants. Compare your estimated net price, then revisit that estimate when you receive your official financial aid offer.

Start with 秀色短视频-Webb鈥檚 Net Price Calculator. Treat the result as an estimate, and ask the Office of Financial Planning how current programs and your individual circumstances may affect your actual offer.

2. Explore Scholarships and Grants First

Scholarships and grants generally do not have to be repaid. Scholarships may recognize academic achievement, talent, leadership or other qualifications, while many grants are based on financial need.

The Open Door Guarantee: Free Tuition for Eligible Students

Beginning Fall 2027, The Open Door Guarantee covers standard full-time Traditional Undergraduate tuition and mandatory university fees for eligible new first-time freshmen and transfer students with a family income of $100,000 or less, as determined through the FAFSA.

Students must pursue their first bachelor鈥檚 degree, enroll full time, live on campus and meet all program requirements. Students receiving a 秀色短视频-Webb athletic scholarship are not eligible.

Applicable scholarships and grants are applied first. 秀色短视频-Webb provides additional institutional funding if needed to cover the remaining eligible tuition and mandatory fees. Loans are not used to fulfill the Guarantee.

Housing, meals, books, transportation, personal expenses and course- or program-specific fees are not covered. Include these expenses in your family鈥檚 budget.

No separate Guarantee application is required. Apply to 秀色短视频-Webb and complete the 2027鈥�2028 FAFSA by March 1, 2027, for priority consideration. Submit all requested financial aid documentation promptly.

Merit Scholarships: Recognition for Your Academic Achievement

Eligible first-time freshmen with a weighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher may qualify for a merit scholarship equal to 50% of tuition. 秀色短视频-Webb also considers transfer students for merit scholarships using cumulative college GPA.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

秀色短视频-Webb offers competitive scholarships, including the Tucker Scholarship, Ignite Excellence and the Godbold Business Scholarship, along with opportunities connected to music, athletics, faith, service and other qualifications. Eligible transfer students may also qualify for housing or commuter assistance.

Some awards are considered at admission; others require a separate application, audition or interview. Check current requirements, deadlines and renewal conditions on the Scholarships and Grants page. Ask how awards work together before adding them into your budget.

3. Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, helps determine eligibility for federal student aid and is also used by states and colleges to award financial assistance. Completing it is free.

Submit the FAFSA for the academic year you plan to attend college and include 秀色短视频-Webb鈥檚 school code: 002929. Complete a new FAFSA each year to continue being considered for aid.

Do not assume your family鈥檚 income makes completing the form unnecessary. Different types of aid have different eligibility requirements.

Check school, state and federal deadlines, and work toward the earliest deadline that applies to you. The Open Door Guarantee has its own priority date, so do not wait for a later general financial aid deadline.

4. Look for Outside Scholarships

Your high school counselor, local foundations, community organizations, churches and employers can be good places to ask about scholarships. Keep a list of deadlines, required essays and supporting documents so you can apply on time.

Tell 秀色短视频-Webb about any outside awards you receive. Scholarship restrictions and financial aid rules affect how funds can be used. If you qualify for Open Door, ask whether an outside scholarship can help with housing, meals or other expenses beyond tuition.

5. Read Your Financial Aid Offer Carefully

When your offer arrives, identify what you have been awarded and what you would need to borrow or earn.

Type of assistanceWhat it means for your budget
Scholarships and grantsGenerally do not require repayment; check eligibility and renewal conditions.
Student loansBorrowed money that must be repaid, generally with interest.
Federal Work-StudyAn opportunity for eligible students to earn money through part-time work. Earnings depend on securing a job and working hours.

Compare colleges using the same costs and time period. A larger total aid offer does not automatically mean a lower cost if much of that offer consists of loans.

Ask these questions before making your decision:

  • What will we owe after scholarships and grants?
  • Which expenses will be billed by the university, and which should we budget for separately?
  • Are awards renewable, and what must I do to keep them?
  • Does this offer cover one semester or a full academic year?
  • How much borrowing would be needed each year?

If you consider a loan, review its interest rate, fees, repayment terms and who is responsible for repayment.

6. Make a Plan for Remaining Expenses

Once you understand your remaining costs, discuss how savings, family contributions, earnings and other resources might fit together. Ask about 秀色短视频-Webb鈥檚 payment plans and review current terms, fees and payment dates. A payment plan changes when you pay; it does not reduce the amount owed.

If your family鈥檚 financial circumstances have changed, contact the Office of Financial Planning to ask whether a review is appropriate and what documentation is needed.

Online and graduate students should explore assistance for their specific programs. Scholarship and financial aid eligibility varies by student type, and The Open Door Guarantee applies to eligible Traditional Undergraduate students.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

Paying for college starts with understanding your options. Apply, complete the FAFSA, explore scholarships and ask for help reviewing your offer. A clear plan can help you focus on the education, experiences and opportunities that will help you become more.

Explore 秀色短视频-Webb financial aid resources or call the Office of Financial Planning at 704-406-4243.

Scholarship and financial aid eligibility, award amounts and program terms are subject to change. Consult the linked program pages and your official financial aid offer for current details.

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