Tuition Overview

At Golden Gate University, we know that cost is an important factor in deciding where to earn your degree. That’s why we’re committed to giving you the best higher education available at an affordable price.

We offer competitive tuition rates for our programs, and a majority of our students receive financial aid and scholarships to help fund their education. Learn more about our general tuition and fees below, explore our total cost of attendance estimates, and visit your program of interest for more detailed tuition information.

Notice of Tuition Updates

Effective Summer 2026, Golden Gate University will be making several changes to our tuition, fees, and full-time status definition. Please review the information below carefully to understand how these changes may affect you. For additional information, please review the FAQ below.

If you have questions about how these changes affect your specific situation, please contact your academic advisor. Your advisor will help direct you to the appropriate office at GGU for additional information based on the nature of your question.

Technology Fee

Effective Summer 2026, the Technology Fee will increase to $250 per term.

For new students enrolling in graduate programs in Summer 2026 or later, the following status and tuition policies will apply:

Changes to Full-Time Enrollment Status for Graduate Students

Beginning Summer 2026, the definition of full-time enrollment for graduate students will change for new students only.

  • Full Time: 9 units or more
  • Less than Full Time: 8 or fewer units

This change applies to all programs except doctoral programs.

Important Note for Current Students: If you are actively enrolled in a graduate program during Spring 2026, you will be grandfathered under the current policy (6 units = full-time) if you remain continuously enrolled until program completion. See the FAQ below for more information about maintaining eligibility under current policy.

Changes to Graduate Tuition

  • Full Time flat rate tuition: $13,080 (9–15 units) per term
  • Less than Full Time (fewer than 9 credits): $1,090 per unit

This flat-rate tuition applies to all programs except Tax and Law programs. New students in Tax and Law programs will pay a per-credit rate. Information about applicable rates for Tax and Law can be found below.

Again, students actively enrolled in a program during Spring 2026 will continue to be billed at their current per-unit rate until program completion so long as remain continuously enrolled. See the FAQ below for more information about maintaining eligibility under current policies.

New Tuition Rate: Beginning Summer 2026, tuition will be $850 per unit for all undergraduate students. This change applies to all students, both new and continuing.

We remain committed to making a GGU education accessible. Need-based financial aid will be available for students requiring tuition assistance. We encourage you to contact Student Financial Services to discuss your options.

Graduation cap with dollar sign.

Undergraduate Tuition

$850*

per unit

(effective Summer 2026)

Calculator with gear behind it.

Graduate Business
and Accounting Tuition

$13,080**

per term (full-time flat rate tuition for 9-15 units/term)

OR

$1,090**

per unit (fewer than 9 units/term)

(effective Summer 2026)

Braden School of
Taxation Tuition

$1,250

per unit

Gavel.

Law School Tuition

Tuition for the law school varies by program. Click here for more information.

Tuition rates may vary based on factors such as degree level, military status, and program choice. We encourage you to visit your program of interest for specific tuition details and reach out to an Enrollment Advisor if you have any questions.

*Undergraduate tuition rate listed will be effective as of Summer 2026. Undergraduate tuition rates apply to bachelor’s programs in the School of Undergraduate Studies and will be different for associate degrees listed as Degrees+ | Outlier.org.

**Graduate tuition rates listed will be effective as of Summer 2026. Graduate tuition rates will differ for all School of Law programs, taxation, MPA, EMBA, as well as doctoral programs. Please visit your specific program of interest for more details.

Additional Fees

Along with tuition, you can expect to pay the following fees:

  • $250 technology fee (effective Summer 2026)
  • $30 student activity fee
  • $275 international student fee for F-1 visa

Depending on your program, other one-time or recurring fees may apply. Contact our Enrollment Team for more details about tuition and fees at GGU.

Commitment Deposit (if applicable):

  • Domestic students who are offered admission will be required to submit a $250 commitment fee in order to accept their offer of admission.
  • All international students seeking to study on an F1/J1 visa must submit a $250 commitment fee to confirm enrollment intent. In specific contractual agreements, GGU may waive the commitment fee for some international partnerships. Please check with your agent or enrollment advisor to see if you qualify for a waiver.

The commitment fee is non-refundable.

Estimate Your Total Cost of Attendance

Explore an overview of the estimated direct and indirect costs of attending Golden Gate University as an undergraduate, graduate, or law student.

Payment Options

The university only accepts payment digitally. Electronic check, credit card, debit card, and wire transfer are accepted. The student’s GGU issued-ID number must appear on or be submitted with all forms of payment to ensure they are credited to the appropriate account. To make a payment please access the Student Self-Service portal or contact Student Accounting Services.

Contact Student Accounting Services

Phone: 415-442-7839
Email: sas@ggu.edu

Policies

Registration constitutes a financial contract between you and the university. You will be responsible for paying all registration charges associated with your enrollment after the end of the term’s refund period. You may wish to add/drop courses before the term’s refund period ends. Consult the Academic Calendar for the “last day to drop without tuition charge” to determine the end of the term’s refund period. See the Withdrawal Policy below for more information.

Student Accounting Services

Frequently Asked Questions

2026 Update to Tuition Policy and Full-time Status Definition

Last Updated: 12/19/2025

Connect with
an Enrollment Advisor

Our Enrollment Team is here to support you as you find the right path for your future. Your dedicated Enrollment Advisor provides, no pressure, personalized support to help you find your program, answer any questions, start your application, and get enrolled in your courses.

Our Enrollment Advisors can help you:

  • Choose a program that fits your goals and lifestyle
  • Learn more about curriculum, tuition, and admission requirements
  • Gather your application materials and submit your application
  • Explore financial aid and scholarship options
  • Enroll in your first GGU courses

When you’re ready to start your journey, our Enrollment Advisors will be here to help answer all of your questions about Golden Gate University.

To get started request information from any form on this website or if you’re ready to speak to someone now, call 415-442-7800 today for a no-obligation conversation about how GGU can help you make your goals a reality.

Enrollment advisor working with student in office.
Smiling woman in a suit standing with her arms crossed.