Financial Aid

The University seeks to make a Gonzaga graduate education accessible by providing equitable financial assistance to students who need help covering educational costs, as resources allow.

Applying for Admission

Students are encouraged to apply for admission and financial aid at the same time to allow for timely consideration of both applications. While financial aid information may be reviewed concurrently with the admission process, a student must be admitted to Gonzaga University before a financial aid offer can be finalized and issued.

Financial Aid Application

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the required application for Federal financial aid programs. In order for Gonzaga to receive FAFSA data to determine eligibility for Federal financial aid, applicants must list Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, federal school code “003778” in the school section of the FAFSA.  The FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Application Deadlines

There is no established financial aid deadline for graduate students; however, it is recommended that a student complete the FAFSA by March 1st each year for the following fall semester.

The Financial Aid Offer

Once financial need has been established and the student is accepted for admission, the Financial Aid Office makes a financial aid offer to the student via email and via the Zagweb portal. This offer generally includes loan funds and any scholarships of which the Financial Aid Office has been notified.

Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans: Federal student loans are non-need based and the student is responsible for interest that accrues. The interest may be paid while in school or capitalized by adding it to the principal balance. The annual maximum loan is determined by the Federal government, but may be adjusted due to receiving other financial aid, or by the student’s total cost of attendance. The FAFSA and a separate promissory note are required.  The interest rate for the Federal Direct Loan Program is established each June and starts accruing from the time funds are disbursed. The promissory note can be completed online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Nursing Loans: These loans are available to graduate nursing students with financial need. The Federal Nursing loan carries a fixed interest rate of five percent, with no accrual of interest while enrolled at least half-time. Students have a nine-month grace period after their enrollment drops below less than half-time before monthly payments are required. Minimum monthly payments of at least $40 per month and interest begin after the grace period.

Alternative/Private Loans: There are several non-need-based private loan programs for graduate students. These loan programs offer a choice of variable interest rates and repayment plans tailored to meet the student’s needs. Approval is subject to lender credit criteria. Approval of the private loans by the lender is based upon the creditworthiness of the student. For additional information, please visit our webpage: Private (Alternative) Education Loans | Gonzaga University

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Higher Education Amendments of 1992 require that a student receiving federal assistance must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (SAP). In general, SAP is defined as “proceeding toward successful completion of degree within a specified period.” The policies and procedures governing SAP and its relationship to financial aid are available online at www.gonzaga.edu/SAP.