Redesigning Affordability
The JWU Pledge
Free Tuition for Qualifying Students
Through The JWU Pledge, Johnson & Wales University will make our high quality, hands-on education more accessible and affordable.
This new initiative is focused on families in our nearest regional markets with household incomes below $200,000. For students entering Fall 2025 and beyond, the JWU Pledge offers eligible families grant and scholarship packages covering up to 100% of tuition.
What is the JWU Pledge?
Beginning in Fall 2025, the JWU Pledge will cover up to 100% of eligible undergraduate students’ tuition, building upon already-existing efforts to make a college education more affordable and accessible. This program includes grants, scholarships and aid from federal, state and institutional sources to cover the cost of tuition for eligible students. Details on the eligibility are above.
Frequently Asked Questions
The JWU Pledge covers tuition only and is determined by your family’s income listed on your FAFSA. This does not include lab or other fees, supplies, books or room and meal plans.
No, but students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for the JWU Pledge. Our Student Financial Services team determines if you are eligible based on your family’s verified income on your FAFSA.
North Carolina residents should also complete their Residency Determination along with the FAFSA.
The deadline is the same for all financial aid packages, which you can get from your financial planner.
You need to reapply by filing a FAFSA each year because your eligibility is determined by your family’s reported income on your FAFSA.
Yes. If you qualify for the JWU Pledge, you’ll receive merit and need-based scholarships first, and then any financial aid from the JWU Pledge will be added.
If you applied for one of these four majors, you could be eligible for the JWU Pledge if you meet its eligibility criteria.
If you meet the qualifications for the JWU Pledge, you will still qualify if you are enrolled in a full-time study abroad program that’s held during the academic year. But if you are enrolled in a summer study abroad program you will not qualify.
If you didn’t qualify for The JWU Pledge and your family’s financial situation changes, contact your financial planner to ask if you can file an appeal.
Although current students are not eligible for the JWU Pledge, JWU has increased need-based aid significantly over the last few years, which means that most current students are already being awarded financial aid of the same amount or close to the amount that they would receive from the JWU Pledge.
