Financial Aid: Scholarships & Grants

    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 the university's scholarships and grants -- many of which are made possible through the kindness of our donors.

    FINANCIAL AID OFFICE

    OVERVIEW

    GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP POLICY

    Matriculated and enrolled students who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for any scholarship. In Step Six of the FAFSA, students must indicate Golden Gate University's Title IV code 001205 for the FAFSA information to be received at GGU. FAFSAs should be on file at GGU at the beginning of the trimester. International students are excluded from the FAFSA requirement.

     
    Undergraduates:
    • Maintain at least half-time attendance at all times to remain eligible
    • Earn at least six units at the end of their last enrolled term to remain eligible
    • Starting with full-time attendance but dropping to three-quarter-time or half-time attendance, students will have their eligibility prorated
    • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible
     
    Graduates:
    • Maintain at least half-time attendance at all times to remain eligible
    • Earn at least four units at the end of their last enrolled term to remain eligible
    • Starting with full-time attendance but dropping to half-time attendance at the end of their last enrolled term, students will have their eligibility prorated during their next enrolled term
    • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible
     
    All Students:
    1. Students in the last term of enrollment may have the scholarship prorated in the event that half-time enrollment status is not necessary to meet graduation requirements.
    2. Some scholarships require continuous enrollment. Students who interrupt enrollment or who fail to earn the required minimum units will forfeit the scholarship for the next terms.
    3. Generally, a student will be awarded one scholarship. Students who demonstrate exceptional need which is not met by the financial aid package and have already received one scholarship may be awarded an additional scholarship. The additional scholarship may be awarded at the discretion of the financial aid office.
    4. Students receiving other grants, scholarships or other financial assistance intended for tuition costs (i.e., Pell Grants, other grants, tuition remission) will have their scholarships prorated so that their total scholarship and/or tuition remission amount does not exceed the total tuition cost. GGU employees and family members eligible for GGU tuition remission will not be considered for tuition scholarships.
    5. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) must be maintained at all times to remain eligible.
    6. Scholarships may not exceed the total cost of tuition in a reporting term.
    7. All GGU scholarships are applied towards tuition costs. No award shall exceed the amount of tuition.
    8. Awards for scholarships may be for the duration of the program, yearly and/or one time only.
    9. Amount of awards are dependent on yearly contributions, budgets, and other funding issues.
    SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

    GGU COMMUNITY TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

    These GGU Community Tuition Assistance Grant (CTAG) programs are available to eligible employees, graduates and their families. Students must meet the grant eligibility criteria and be admitted to a degree-granting program in the School of Business, Accounting, or Taxation. Programs offered by the School of Law or School of Undergraduate Studies are not included. Grants are applied to tuition only and are renewable providing the student continues to satisfy the eligibility criteria. Students who accept the GGU Employee Educational Assistance Remission or any other GGU grant or scholarship are not eligible. Eligible students are required to complete a CTAG application available here the first time they are requesting the grant. These grants are not retroactive and may not be combined with any other grant or scholarship offered by Golden Gate University.

    Graduate of GGU Degree Program (30% Tuition Grant) Graduates’ of GGU pursing a new degree program are eligible for this grant. A graduate is defined as an individual graduating from a degree program at GGU (excludes: Associates’ degrees and Certificates).

    Family Member of GGU Graduate (20% Tuition Grant) This grant is offered when a family member graduated from a degree program at GGU. (excludes: Associates’ degrees and Certificates). Members of a graduate’s family are defined as: a spouse, domestic partner, child, and step-child. The family member must be pursuing a graduate degree (excludes undergraduate degrees). This discount cannot be combined with tuition remission benefits.

    Family Member of Full-Time Faculty or Staff (40% Tuition Grant) This grant is offered to full-time Faculty or Staff's family members. We define family members to be: a spouse, domestic partner, child, and step-child. (Family members who do not qualify for or choose to decline the GGU Employee Educational Assistance Program, are eligible for this grant.) This discount cannot be combined with tuition remission benefits.

    Family Member of Adjunct Faculty (30% Tuition Grant) This grant is offered to Adjunct Faculty's family members. We define family members to be: a spouse, domestic partner, child, and step-child. Regular Adjunct Faculty is defined as active Adjuncts who have taught a minimum of three class-sections in the previous three academic years. Active for the purposes of this grant means eligible to continue to teach. (Adjunct Faculty themselves, who do not qualify for or choose to decline the GGU Employee Educational Assistance Program, are eligible for this grant). This discount cannot be combined with tuition remission benefits.

    Students receiving the CTAG grant agree to the following:
    • Complete an initial CTAG application before the start of the term they are applying for
    • Each subsequent term for which the grant is to be applied, email the Financial Aid Office (FAO) at finaid@ggu.edu with the number of units the student will be taking
    • Students may only receive one grant, scholarship, or tuition discount per trimester from Golden Gate University (GGU); all GGU Grants are applied towards tuition. If a student is receiving outside sources to cover tuition costs, such as Employer Reimbursement, VA benefits, Scholarships, and/or Grants, all sources received may not exceed tuition costs for the semester/term
    • The application deadline for this scholarship is the last day of the term, for which the grant is to be applied to
    • The grant is not retroactive and cannot be applied to semesters / terms that have been completed prior to the submission of the form
    • The GGU CTAG grant is not applicable to programs or studies in the School of Law or School of Undergraduate Studies
    • The GGU CTAG grant is not applicable to specially priced graduate certificate programs
    • If enrollment plans change, the student will notify the FAO immediately. This may result in a re-evaluation of eligibility for the GGU CTAG grant.

    CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER GRANT

    In recognition of the accomplishments of students who have completed programs in California’s Community Colleges (CCC), Golden Gate University reserves a limited number of tuition grants exclusively for CCC transfer students. These grants provide transfer students access to a world-class private education at GGU for comparable tuition to the California State University system.

    To be considered for the GGU Scholars Award, prospective students must first submit a GGU admissions application.

    Based on 2022-2023 tuition rates, students will be eligible for grant in the following amounts:

    • $3,000 per trimester for full-time enrollment
    • $1,500 per trimester for part-time enrollment
    Students receiving the CCC Transfer Grant agree to the following:
    • Submit an application to GGU to be considered for the grant.
    • Grant candidates must be transferring from a California Community College, meet GGU’s undergraduate admission requirements, transfer a minimum of 36 units (from a CCC), and must have been enrolled within the last 12 months. Once approved, grant candidates must maintain a 2.0 GPA and remain continuously enrolled with a minimum of 6 units per term. Funding is limited every trimester, apply early.
    • Students may only receive one grant, scholarship, or tuition discount per trimester from Golden Gate University (GGU); all GGU Grants are applied towards tuition. If a student is receiving outside sources to cover tuition costs, such as Employer Reimbursement, Scholarships, and/or Grants, all sources received may not exceed tuition costs for the semester/term.
    • The application deadline for this grant is the same day as the tuition deadline of the term for which the grant is to be applied to.
    • The grant is not retroactive and cannot be applied to semesters / terms that have been completed prior to the submission of the form.
    • If enrollment plans change, the student will notify the FAO immediately. This may result in a re-evaluation of eligibility for the CCC Transfer grant.

    VETERANS PATHWAY GRANT

    GGU recognizes all that you have accomplished as a student veteran, and we support you as you progress toward your degree from Golden Gate University. We’re pleased to announce a new grant to help veterans accomplish their mission of becoming a GGU graduate.

    This grant is available to veterans who have exhausted their Post- 9/11 GI Bill® while pursuing a degree at GGU. This grant is available once veterans have exhausted their educational benefits and can be used to continue enrollment in the term after Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits have expired.

    To qualify, veterans must have completed most of their degree at GGU, meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) towards completion, have exhausted all VA education benefits, and request the grant. The total amount of the grant will be up to 50% of tuition, contingent on the length of time/period the veteran used their benefits at GGU.

    To apply for this grant, veterans should submit a grant application, a course plan (path to completion/degree audit), a current certificate of eligibility (COE), and have a current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. This grant is not available for any program in the School of Law.

    TAX GRANT FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

    Golden Gate University offers a forty percent (40%) Tax Grant to Public Employees. The grant is available to full-time employees of US federal, state, county or city governmental agencies on tuition costs for any tax course offered at GGU. Only courses with the prefix TA are eligible for the discount. Employment will be verified. Please note this grant may not be applied with any other GGU tuition grants or scholarships.

    CALIFORNIA CITY, COUNTY, and STATE EMPLOYEE GRANT in EMPA and ITM programs

    Golden Gate University offers a thirty percent (30%) Grant to California City, County, and State employees enrolled in our degree granting and certificate programs in our Executive Masters in Public Administration (EMPA) and Masters of Science in Information Technology Management programs. The grant is available to full-time city, County, and state employees on tuition costs for courses required for these programs. Employment will be verified. Please note this grant may not be applied with any other GGU tuition grants or scholarships.

    ENTERPRISE LEARNING AGREEMENT

    Golden Gate University’s (GGU) Enterprise Learning Agreement (ELA) is a no-cost partnership that makes higher education more affordable and accessible for students. Through our Corporate Partnership Program, GGU will work with the student’s employer to establish an ELA which will allow all employees from the same company to receive a tuition grant ten percent (10%) towards tuition costs. Eligible students are required to complete an ELA application available here the first time they are requesting the grant. These grants are not retroactive and may not be combined with any other grant or scholarship offered by Golden Gate University. For more information on becoming a Corporate Partner, please click here.

    • Complete an initial ELA application before the start of the term they are applying for.
    • Each subsequent term for which the grant is to be applied, email the Financial Aid Office (FAO) at finaid@ggu.edu with the number of units the student will be taking.
    • Students may only receive one grant, scholarship, or tuition discount per trimester from Golden Gate University (GGU); all GGU Grants are applied towards tuition. If a student is receiving outside sources to cover tuition costs, such as Employer Reimbursement, VA benefits, Scholarships, and/or Grants, all sources received may not exceed tuition costs for the semester/term.
    • The application deadline for this scholarship is the last day of the term, for which the grant is to be applied to.
    • The grant is not retroactive and cannot be applied to semesters / terms that have been completed prior to the submission of the form.
    • This grant is not applicable to programs or studies in the School of Law or School of Undergraduate Studies.
    • This grant is not applicable to specially priced graduate certificate programs.
    • If enrollment plans change, the student will notify the FAO immediately. This may result in a re-evaluation of eligibility for the ELA Grant.

    INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

    Golden Gate University welcomes students from all over the world and offers scholarships for all qualified international students who enroll in a master's degree program in our School of Business, School of Accounting and Braden School of Tax. Admitted students that have not previously attended Golden Gate University and satisfy the admissions criteria will be automatically considered for an International Student Scholarship or Grant through the admission process. For the 2022-2023 academic year, a limited number of scholarships will be awarded in each of the following categories:

     
    International President's Scholars -- $15,000

    Admitted students who earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and who demonstrate English language proficiency as evidenced by a minimum TOEFL score of 90, Duolingo score of 120, PTE of 65 or IELTS composite of 7.5 with no sub-score of less than 6.5 will be considered. Students who have earned a master's degree after earning a bachelor's degree will be considered using the cumulative grade point average and English language proficiency as noted above. An International President's Scholar is eligible to receive up to $15,000 to complete their degree, $5,000 per term for up to 3 consecutive terms.

     
    International Dean's Scholars -- $12,000

    Admitted students who earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and who demonstrate English language proficiency as evidenced by a minimum TOEFL score of 85, Duolingo score of 115, PTE of 62 or IELTS composite of 7.0 with no sub-score of less than 6.0 will be considered. Students who have earned a master's degree after earning a Bachelor's degree will be considered using the cumulative grade point average and English language proficiency as noted above. An International Dean's Scholar is eligible to receive up to $12,000 to complete their degree, $4,000 per term for up to 3 consecutive terms.

     
    Welcome Grant -- $3,000

    Admitted students who earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and who demonstrate English language proficiency as evidenced by a minimum TOEFL score of 79, Duolingo score of 100, PTE of 57 or IELTS composite of 6.5 will be considered. Students who have earned a master's degree after earning a bachelor's degree will be considered using the cumulative grade point average and English language proficiency as noted above. Our Welcome grant is a one-time award of $3,000 applied to tuition in the first term of enrollment.

     
    To be considered for any of the scholarships listed above:
    • Students must have their applications complete and ready for review by June 15 for fall, and October 1 for spring admissions.
    • Students must be an international student who entered the United State using an F Visa. Students studying on a J visa are not eligible for these scholarships or grants.
    • President's and Dean's scholarship recipients must be continuously enrolled in 9 or more units and maintain satisfactory academic progress as evidenced by achieving and maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in each term of enrollment. These scholarships are renewable for a maximum of three consecutive (3) terms.
    • Students may only receive one scholarship or grant. Specifically, President's and Dean's scholarship recipients are not eligible for the Welcome Grant or the Alumni Referral Grant.
    • A $250 US tuition deposit is required of all admitted students prior to the issuance of visa eligibility documents (commonly known as form I-20). The deposit is credited toward the first term's tuition and is non-refundable. Tuition deposits must be paid by the dates indicated on your scholarship offer otherwise the scholarship will be forfeited.
    • Deferring your enrollment may impact your scholarship eligibility. Please speak with your enrollment counselor for further details.

    ALUMNI REFERRAL GRANT

    When Golden Gate University alum refers a student to one of our degree granting programs, we will give that student a tuition grant on behalf of the alum. A grant in the alum's name acknowledges the important role that person is playing in the academic and career success of that student. The student would receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 for an undergraduate or a graduate degree. The grant would be applied to the students' first term at GGU and may not be combined with any other scholarships or grants.

    SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

    Golden Gate University administers several donor-based and endowed scholarship funds that are awarded to graduate students based on specific award criteria. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and an application is required. Special scholarship applications are open from June 15 through August 15 every year. Scholarship recipients are notified of their awards before the start of the Fall trimester. Scholarships will be applied towards a student’s tuition charges for the subsequent Fall, Spring and Summer trimesters, depending on their academic program and progress. Awards may not roll over to a subsequent academic year.



    HOW TO APPLY

    Golden Gate University is pleased to announce the availability our Special Scholarships funded by our generous donors. Our Special Scholarships are open to both Domestic and International graduate students, as indicated by each scholarship criteria. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and an application is required. A few of our donors have asked that their gifts be restricted to students who meet certain criteria.

    Typically students may not receive more than one Golden Gate University scholarship, grant or discount per trimester; however, special scholarship awards may be combined with most other GGU scholarships. A scholarship committee will review all applications and select award recipients. Students may apply for more than one scholarship. All scholarships are applied toward tuition costs only. Special scholarship recipients will be required to submit a "thank you" card to the donor; more information about this will be provided to the recipients.

     
    To apply for a special scholarship, you must:
    • Complete a 2022 - 2023 FAFSA (U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident students) -- Title IV School Code = 001205. International students are not required to complete a FAFSA.
    • Submit a completed online application.
    • Submit a resume which includes a summary of your work, school, and extracurricular activities.
    • Submit a personal statement addressing your financial needs, academic achievements, and any special circumstances you would like the scholarship committee to consider (not to exceed 500 words).
    • Submit a Scholarship Essay addressing each of the donor’s question(s) for each of the scholarships you want to be considered for (not to exceed 500 words).

    AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS

    The ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP is available to students in our Taxation, Accounting and Business Schools. To be considered, a recipient must be in good academic standing and should describe a personal experience associated with GGU. Please indicate how your active involvement has benefited the GGU Community and the importance in giving back to GGU. Students must be in their "final year" at GGU.

    THE CHARLES BELL SCHOLARSHIP is available to Veteran students and/or their dependents that have insufficient benefits and are not 100% vested to cover their entire tuition costs; and has financial needs.

    The BITA DARYBARI SCHOLARSHIP is available to International women with first preference in a MBA program and second preference to women in a MBA Business program and born in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine (Gaza Strip and West Bank), Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan or Yemen must reside in or outside of the U.S. Students will describe how they had overcome significant obstacles as a woman and how they would advocate for women's rights facing discrimination due to cultural differences and unfair practices.

    The WILLIAM ENDERLEIN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP was established to recognize students in the School of Business and Finance Accounting seeking a professional position in management. Students will describe how they have financed their education to date, how they would use their degree in a professional position of management.

    The GGU EMERGENCY PANDEMIC TUITION SCHOLARSHIP is available this year to assist students that have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students should describe how they have been affected by the pandemic and how this tuition assistance will help them complete their degree.

    The GURMEHAR FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP is available to students with financial need, of Indian descent (India), who are U.S. Citizens or are Permanent Residents of the U.S., and are enrolled in the Ageno School of Business. Students will describe how being a diverse student has affected their life and how do they plan to use their degree, after graduation.

    The HANDLERY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP was established by the Handlery Hotels to retain talented hospitality industry leaders or those seeking a professional position in management or any other industries and has financial needs. Students will describe how they would use their degree in a professional management position, after graduation.

    The HUGUENOT FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP is available to students with financial need with a GPA of 3.00 or above. Students should describe a situation when their values, actions, or opinions were challenged and how they defended their position or advocated on behalf of another person facing discrimination due to cultural differences, language or other factors. Students should address how their GGU education will help or has already helped them practice tolerance and appreciate diversity.

    The ISAACSON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP is available to students pursuing a graduate degree in Financial Planning. Students should describe how they have financed their education to date and what they plan to do with their degree.

    The MASUD MEHRAN ENDOWED FELLOWSHIP is named after a member of the University Board of Trustees. Student must be in good academic standing, and have financial need. Preference is given to individual displaying entrepreneurial spirit and who takes initiative. Students should describe a current or previous involvement in a start-up company or organization; and describe the spirit, initiative and attribute to build a successful company or organization.

    The LOIS MYERS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP is available to women who are 35 years or older with a GPA of 3.00 or above with financial needs. Student should describe how they had to overcome significant obstacles and how they would use their degree to advocate for women's rights.

    The NAGEL MINER SCHOLARSHIP is available to students with financial needs. Students should describe their background, why they chose to attend GGU and explain the steps taken to participate with the GGU Community; and address how their GGU education, program of study will help them to succeed and what they plan to do with their degree, after graduation from GGU.

    The ROBERT J SHAW SCHOLARSHIP is available to students enrolled in the School of Taxation and attending the Seattle Campus. Eligible students must be paying for their tuition without employer reimbursement or financial aid assistance and have a GPA of 3.00 or higher. Students should write on this subject: If you were “Dictator of the Tax Code”, what changes would you make and why.

    The TRITASAVIT ACCOUNTING SCHOLARHSIP is available to International students in the School of Accounting, with outstanding academic achievement with financial need. Students will describe how they would use their degree to help those in need.

    The JANICE and ALVIN WILKINS SCHOLARHSIP is awarded to African American students with financial need. Describe how this scholarship will assist you in completing your degree at GGU.