Entrance to Golden Gate University building.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is money that helps you afford a college or university. Aid comes come in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. While some types of financial aid need to be repaid, many do not.

Affordable Education
for Every Learner

As a nonprofit university, our goal is to ensure that high-quality education is available to everyone. More than half of all GGU students receive financial aid through grants, scholarships, and federal aid. In addition, GGU is among the top 15 percent of universities nationwide that provide tuition benefits for qualifying veterans. Our goal is to help all students afford a GGU education by removing financial barriers.

Explore Your Options

Our affordable tuition and generous financial aid packages set us apart from other universities. At GGU, we have a dedicated team of financial aid counselors who will help make GGU affordable. We can help you find scholarships, grants, and loans. We also create customized financial plans that fit your unique situation. Even if you think you might not qualify for financial assistance, you should still explore your options—you may be surprised.

Federal Financial Aid

Federal student loans are a type of need-based financial aid that need to be repaid. These loans may have fixed interest rates and income-based repayment plans. Some federal loans may also be subsidized, which means the government will pay the interest. To determine your eligibility and apply for federal aid, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must submit your FAFSA early and annually to be considered for federal student loans, and you must qualify each year to receive need-based awards. Need-based financial aid eligibility is determined by the FAFSA and the availability of funding. Need-based awards include grants, work-study, the Federal Subsidized Direct Loan, and the Federal Perkins loan.

Contact the GGU Financial Aid Office

The Golden Gate University’s Financial Aid Staff is here to help you make an informed decision regarding all phases of applying for and receiving financial aid. We encourage you to always consider your options, beginning with grants and scholarships — many of which are made possible through the kindness of our donors.

Phone: 415-442-7270
Email: finaid@ggu.edu

Contact our team for support.

Net Price Calculator

This convenient tool for undergraduate students can help you estimate the total amount you’ll pay for your education based on the unique factors in your life.

Taxation Internship

Learn More About Financial Aid

The US Department of Education provides aid to citizens (and eligible non-citizens) of the US to pursue higher education. Federal aid typically includes federal Direct, grants and work-study funds. Subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans are federal, low-interest loans. Subsidized loans are need-based and the federal government pays the interest while you are enrolled at least half-time.

Federal grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Work-Study provides work opportunities, typically on campus, based on financial need. Pay rates vary depending upon the position.

Loans

Federal student loans are a type of financial aid that need to be repaid. These loans may have fixed interest rates and income-based repayment plans. Some federal loans may also be subsidized, which means the government will pay the interest. Federal student loans are a need-based type of aid.

Private student loans are loans from a bank or credit union that need to be repaid, often with interest. Each lender will set its own terms and conditions, which will often be based on your credit score. Private student loans will help you pay any balance that financial aid does not cover. Depending on your loan, you will have a fixed or variable rate of interest. They are not a need-based type of aid.

Scholarships

Scholarships are free financial aid dollars that may be need-based or merit-based. Some scholarships are granted upon admission, but there are others you can apply for separately. Our financial counselors can help you explore scholarship opportunities and determine your eligibility. 

Note: All scholarship opportunities listed below are subject to change at any time. We highly recommend contacting the GGU Financial Aid office at finaid@ggu.edu to discuss availability and options.

Grants 

Grants are a type of need-based aid that does not need to be repaid. They can be offered by the state and federal governments or by the university.

Two of the most common grants for students include:

Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree and have high financial need (low SAI), as calculated by the FAFSA formula. The U.S. Department of Education will notify the student about Pell Grant eligibility by sending a Student Aid Report (SAR) to each student who files the FAFSA. For 2024-25, the Federal Pell Grants maximum is $7,395 per academic year and are awarded based upon the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) and verified enrollment status.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG awards are offered to undergraduate students who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree and who demonstrate high financial need (based on SAI), are enrolled at GGU for at least six units per trimester and are Federal Pell Grant recipients. Awards for the academic year are dependent on the federal funding allocation for that year. Once the funds are allocated for the year, no further funds can be awarded. Currently, the maximum award for FSEOG is up to $500 per trimester. However, amounts may be lowered once funding has been allocated.

ED Guidance on Reporting of Student Grants

Other Funding Options

Federal
Work-Study (FWS) 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides federally subsidized work opportunities. FWS jobs typically are on-campus, but some off-campus positions may be available in nonprofit community service agencies. Students must demonstrate financial need according to the FAFSA and be enrolled at least half-time. In order to be considered for FWS, please indicate your interest when completing the FAFSA. The Financial Aid Office will contact all eligible candidates. 

Employer
Tuition Assistance

Many companies offer tuition benefits that pay for part or all of their employees’ degree programs or continuing education. Frequently these programs are administered through the company’s human resource or employee benefits department. We can bill your employer directly or you can defer payment of tuition until you receive reimbursement from your employer.

International Student Aid

International Students are eligible for partial scholarships and grants from Golden Gate University. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including those intending to study in the U.S. using an F or J visa, are not eligible to receive federal or state financial aid. Resources to help pay for your education may be available from your home country. GGU offers payment plan options for tuition assistance. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for more information.

Military and
Veteran Benefits 

Golden Gate University has been a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon Program since its inception in August 2009. Golden Gate University is in the top 15% nationwide of colleges and universities who have committed to a large dollar grant to the Yellow Ribbon Program for our country’s Veterans to start or complete their educational goals. 

Tuition benefits for qualifying veterans include: 

  • Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill®: Selected Reserve 
  • Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill®: Active Duty 
  • Chapter 31 – Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation 
  • Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 Tuition/Fees & Yellow Ribbon Program 
  • Chapter 35 – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance 

Visit the GI Bill® Website: www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551 for additional information. 

Man studies on laptop in a restaurant.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To be eligible for Federal and State of California financial aid (loans and grants), students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations. Students are evaluated for SAP at the end of each enrolled trimester for which they received state or federal aid. Students must continue to meet the university’s SAP standards as they pursue their academic programs in order to remain eligible for financial aid.

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.