FINANCIAL AID BASICS
Negotiating financial aid doesn't have to be confusing. Here's what you need to know to make GGU affordable for you.
REQUEST INFORMATIONWhat Is 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.
There are two main categories of financial aid: need-based aid and merit-based aid.
- Need-based aid is given based on your ability to pay for your institution.
- Merit-based aid is awarded based on talent or ability, such as high academic achievement.
Grants
Grants are a free form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. They can be offered by the state and federal governments or from GGU. Grants are a type of need-based aid.
Scholarships
Scholarships are also free 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.
Work-Study
The federal work-study program helps you earn money to pay for school-related expenses. You'll find a qualifying part-time job on or off campus. GGU will help connect you with work-study opportunities.
Federal Student 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
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.
Do I qualify for need-based financial aid?
You can determine how much financial aid you qualify for by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must fill out a FAFSA to be considered for federal aid as well as for state and GGU assistance. Find out how to apply for financial aid at GGU.
The FAFSA is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount of money you or your family is expected to be able to pay towards your education in a given year. This will help determine how much aid you will receive from the government and GGU.
International Students
International students are not eligible for state or federal grants. But you are still eligible for need-based aid and academic scholarships at GGU. Learn more about grants and scholarships for international students.
Need more help?
Contact the Golden Gate University's financial aid counselors with any questions you may have.
We will walk with you throughout this entire process.