Overview of Financial Aid

 What is Financial Aid?

 Financial aid is monetary assistance intended to help you meet the expenses of going to college. "Aid" may be in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, employment, opportunities, or a combination of these. Virtually all colleges and universities assume that the primary financial responsibility for higher education rests with the student and his or her parents (where applicable). That is why "financial aid" doesn't cover all of your expenses. The Financial Aid Office at Gonzaga wants to assist you in "bridging the gap" between the cost of attendance and the ability you and your family have to meet those costs. Over 90% of all Gonzaga undergraduates receive institutional financial aid, and the University remains committed to supporting all students in this regard. 

 Types of Financial Aid

 Work Study

 Loans

 Scholarships and Grants consist of institutional, state, federal or outside sources of funding that do not need to be repaid. This can include a merit scholarship, GU Funding, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Pell Grant, Washington State Need Grant, outside scholarships and others. Scholarships and grants are based on merit and/or financial need. 

 Work study is an opportunity for employment for students with demonstrated financial need. In essence, it is the possibility for you to work up to 19 hours per week to earn money. Earnings can be used as spending money or to help pay tuition. For more information, please visit Student Employment's site. 

 Loans are repayable awards, designed to help cover college costs. Students who complete a FAFSA application are eligible for the Federal Stafford Loan and students with high financial need may also qualify for a Federal Perkins Loan. Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) and Private Loans are also available. For more information, please visit our Loan Information site.