Financial Aid

Your financial planning options:

There are numerous financing options for Golden Gate University students. In general, these options fall into six categories: Federal financial aid, state grants, scholarships, private loans, employer tuition assistance and installment payment plans. Let's take a brief look at each of these categories.

The federal government provides aid to citizens of the US to pursue higher education. Federal aid typically includes federal Stafford and Perkins loans, grants and work-study funds. Subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans are federal, low-interest loans. "Subsidized" means that interest is paid for by the federal government while you are enrolled at least half time. In most cases you can defer making any payments of principle and interest until after you leave school. Once you go into repayment (6-9 months after you leave school), you typically have from 10 to 20 years (or more) to repay the loan. And, in many cases, your lender may allow you to temporarily stop making payments if you return to school, have trouble finding a job or are temporarily unemployed, have a medical disability, or if you simply are having difficulties making your payments. Federal Perkins loan amounts vary (generally a maximum of $4,000 per year) and are repayable at 5 percent annual interest beginning nine months (for new students) after you cease to be enrolled at least half-time. You may have up to ten years to repay the loan. Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need or a combination of need and merit and do not need to be repaid. Federal Work-Study provides work opportunities, typically on campus. Pay rates vary depending upon the position.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) administers grant programs for California residents. Cal Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need or a combination of need and merit. You do not need to repay grants, however, you may be required to maintain a certain GPA or other requirements in order to continue receiving the award.

Scholarships may be funded by a variety of sources, including private groups and agencies and the university itself. Typically, scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of financial or academic merit. You do not need to repay scholarships, however, you may be required to maintain a certain GPA or meet other requirements to continue receiving the award.

Student loans are typically financed by the federal government, but many are also available from private lenders. These loans are awarded based on credit and require completing a separate loan application, available from the financial aid office.

Many companies offer tuition benefits that pay for part or all of their employees' degree program or continuing education. Frequently these programs are administered through the company's human resource or employee benefits department. Many GGU students have some part of their education paid for by their employer. We can bill your employer directly or you can defer payment of tuition until you receive reimbursement from your employer. The deferment plan is available through our payment plan manager, Tuition Management Systems, and requires a $100 enrollment fee. GGU is happy to work with you or your employer to set up a payment plan.

The university offers an installment payment plan through Tuition Management Systems (a third-party payment plan manager) to students in good financial standing.