Financial Aid
Gonzaga University is a nationally recognized institution known for academic excellence and strong student outcomes and is consistently ranked among the leading universities for value. A key factor contributing to this recognition is Gonzaga’s robust financial aid program, which reflects the University’s commitment to making Gonzaga education accessible to qualified students. In addition to a significant institutional grant and scholarship program, Gonzaga participates in all applicable federal and state financial aid programs. The information provided in this section is intended to assist students and families in understanding Gonzaga’s financial aid policies, programs, and resources as they plan for the cost of an undergraduate education.
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.
Applying for Financial Aid
Gonzaga University offers a comprehensive financial aid program designed to support qualified students in financing the cost of an undergraduate education. Students are encouraged to review the application options carefully and submit the appropriate financial aid application based on their eligibility and residency status.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Students seeking federal financial aid and most forms of state and institutional aid are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA becomes available annually, and students and families are encouraged to apply as early as possible, with a recommended submission date of March 1 for consideration for the following fall semester. The FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Gonzaga University’s federal school code is 003778.
Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
Undergraduate students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and who are residents of Washington State may submit the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) at https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa. The WASFA is used to determine eligibility for Washington state financial aid programs and certain institutional resources. Students should complete the WASFA annually to be considered for available funding.
Needs Analysis Form
Undergraduate students who are not eligible to complete either the FAFSA or the WASFA may submit Gonzaga University’s Needs Analysis Form. This form is used to evaluate eligibility for need‑based institutional financial aid. Information and instructions for completing the Needs Analysis Form are available through Gonzaga University’s Financial Aid Office. Needs-Analysis-Form-Fillable.ashx
Financial Aid Process
Information submitted through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed by the federal processor, which calculates a Student Aid Index (SAI) using a formula established by the federal government. This information is transmitted to Gonzaga University and used by the Financial Aid Office to assess each applicant’s eligibility for need‑based financial aid and specific financial assistance programs.
Students who submit the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) or Gonzaga University’s Needs Analysis Form are evaluated using the criteria and methodologies applicable to those applications in accordance with state guidelines and institutional policies.
The Financial Aid Award Offer
Once eligibility for financial aid has been established, the Financial Aid Office prepares a financial aid offer based on the student’s application information, enrollment status, and available funding. Financial aid offers typically include a combination of university, federal, and state resources administered through Gonzaga University.
A typical financial aid package may consist of scholarships, grants, work‑study, and educational loans. The types and amounts of assistance included in a financial aid offer vary based on individual circumstances, demonstrated financial need, academic performance, and funding availability. Financial aid offers may change from year to year as these factors change. Students must reapply for financial aid each year by the published priority date to be considered for the maximum range of available assistance.
Institutional grants and scholarships covered under the Gonzaga Guarantee provide up to four years of Gonzaga‑funded assistance, provided the recipient maintains continuous, full‑time undergraduate enrollment and remains in good academic standing, as defined in this University catalog.
Scholarship Aid
Gonzaga University offers a range of institutional scholarships to support undergraduate students and to recognize academic achievement. Scholarship eligibility is based on academic merit and does not include a financial need component.
All undergraduate students who apply for admission to Gonzaga University are automatically considered for institutional scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and related criteria, and no separate scholarship application is required for automatic consideration.
Additional scholarship opportunities may be available through specific academic departments, donor‑supported programs, or separate application processes. These scholarships may have distinct eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Information regarding additional scholarship opportunities is available through Gonzaga University.
Visit https://www.gonzaga.edu/undergraduate-admission/tuition-aid/scholarship-opportunities to see all scholarship opportunities.
Grant Aid
Grant aid is a form of financial assistance provided based on demonstrated financial need and does not require repayment. Eligibility for grant assistance is determined by using financial aid application information and applicable federal, state, or institutional criteria.
Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded grant program available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grant amounts are determined by the federal government and may be adjusted based on enrollment status.
Additional information is available at: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a federally funded grant available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Grant amounts vary based on federal funding levels and institutional allocation policies.
Additional information is available at: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/fseog
Federal TEACH Grant
The Federal TEACH Grant is an annual federal grant/loan program available to students who meet federal eligibility requirements, have completed the FAFSA, and agree to fulfill a post‑graduation teaching service obligation. Participants must complete four years of service as a highly qualified teacher in a high‑need field at a low‑income school. If the service obligation is not fulfilled, Federal TEACH Grant funds are converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and must be repaid, with accrued interest.
Grant amounts are established annually by the federal government and depend on enrollment status. In addition to federal requirements, students must meet Gonzaga University’s School of Education eligibility criteria.
Additional information is available at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach and https://www.gonzaga.edu/admission/tuition-scholarships-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/grants
Washington College Grant/College Bound Grant
The Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship are state‑funded programs that provide financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students who are residents of Washington State and demonstrate financial need. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) and administered in accordance with state regulations.
Additional information is available at: https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg and https://wsac.wa.gov/college-bound
University Grants
Gonzaga University provides need‑based grants funded through institutional resources to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Eligibility for University grants is determined using financial aid application data, including the FAFSA, WASFA, or Gonzaga University’s Needs Analysis Form, as applicable. Grant amounts vary based on demonstrated financial need, enrollment status, application timing, and available funding.
Loan Aid
Educational loans are available to assist students and families with financing the cost of a Gonzaga education. Loan eligibility is determined by the type of loan and applicable federal, institutional, or private lender requirements. Most federal student and parent loans require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as additional online counseling and a separate promissory note. Loans must be repaid according to the terms of the loan program. Students and families are encouraged to borrow only the amount necessary to meet educational expenses.
Additional information about loan options is available at https://www.gonzaga.edu/admission/tuition-scholarships-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/loans
Federal Direct Student Loans (Subsidized & Unsubsidized)
Federal Direct Student Loans are available to undergraduate students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Annual loan eligibility and borrowing limits are established by the federal government and are based on a student’s class level and, for subsidized loans, demonstrated financial need.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are available to students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while the student is enrolled at least half‑time.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on financial need; however, completion of the FAFSA is required. Interest accrues on unsubsidized loans while the student is enrolled and during deferment periods.
For both loan types, repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half‑time enrollment.
Additional information is available at: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized
Federal Nursing Loans
The Federal Nursing Loan may be available to undergraduate students enrolled in Gonzaga University’s Undergraduate Nursing Program. Eligibility for this loan is based on demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), enrollment at least half‑time, and available funding; due to limited funding, consideration is generally limited to students who have completed the first year of the nursing program.
The Federal Nursing Loan carries a fixed interest rate and does not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half‑time. A grace period is provided after a student’s enrollment drops below half‑time before repayment begins. Minimum monthly repayment requirements apply once repayment begins.
Institutional Loans
Gonzaga University administers a limited number of institutional loan programs to assist eligible undergraduate students with educational expenses. Institutional loan options include the Gonzaga Loan, the Carrie Welch Loan, and the Bigelow Loan. Eligibility for these loans is typically based on demonstrated financial need, enrollment status, and available funding. The Carrie Welch Loan also requires Washington State residency.
Institutional loan programs are subject to annual funding limitations and institutional eligibility criteria. Students interested in these loan options should contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information.
Private of Alternative Loans
Students or parents may borrow private or alternative educational loans through private lenders such as banks, credit unions, or other lending sources. These loans are not based on financial need and are subject to lender credit criteria. The maximum amount that may be borrowed through private or alternative loans is limited to the Gonzaga University cost of attendance minus other financial aid received.
Additional information is available at: https://www.gonzaga.edu/admission/tuition-scholarships-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/loans/private-alternative-loans
Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is available to credit‑eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students. The student must complete the FAFSA for an eligible parent to apply for this loan. Federal Parent PLUS Loans are not based on financial need.
Additional information is available at https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/parent/landing
Student Employment
Student employment opportunities at Gonzaga University provide students with the ability to earn income while enrolled and to gain valuable professional experience. Many student employment positions are located on campus and are designed to accommodate academic schedules. Information about student employment opportunities is available at: https://www.gonzaga.edu/admission/tuition-scholarships-aid/student-employment/student-employment-at-gu
Federal Work Study (FWS) Program
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is a federally funded student employment program administered by Gonzaga University. FWS provides part‑time employment opportunities, primarily on campus, in a variety of settings including academic departments, administrative offices, research projects, and community‑based service programs. Students generally work a limited number of hours per week while classes are in session.
Eligibility for Federal Work Study is based on demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Participation in the program depends on eligibility, available funding, and position availability.
State Work Study (SWS) Program
The State Work Study (SWS) Program is funded by the State of Washington and administered through Gonzaga University. This program provides part‑time employment opportunities for eligible students who are Washington State residents. Positions may be located on campus or with approved off‑campus employers in the Spokane area and may be available during the academic year and summer sessions.
Eligibility for State Work Study is based on demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, as well as Washington State residency and available funding. Employment opportunities are subject to job availability and program guidelines.
Academic Progress (Satisfactory Academic Progress)
Federal and state regulations require students receiving financial aid to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward completion of their degree. Gonzaga University monitors SAP in accordance with these regulations to ensure that students are progressing within an appropriate timeframe and meeting established academic standards.
Satisfactory academic progress is evaluated by the Student Financial Services Office using institutional criteria that include cumulative grade point average, successful completion of attempted coursework, and maximum time frame for degree completion. Students who do not meet SAP requirements may become ineligible for financial aid but may have the option to appeal based on documented circumstances.
Complete information regarding Gonzaga University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, including standards, evaluation procedures, and the appeal process, is available at www.gonzaga.edu/SAP