How to Apply for Financial Aid at Gonzaga
The following information is specific to undergraduate financial aid. Check out our webpage for Graduate Financial Aid for more information on financing master's, doctoral, and law degrees.
The Office of Undergraduate Admission will review your Admission Application to determine your eligibility for a merit-based scholarship ranging from $12,000 to $30,000 per year. For more information about the admission process or to apply online, please visit the Office of Admission.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your key to financial assistance at Gonzaga, and it is the form you use to apply for financial aid at GU. By completing the FAFSA, you take the first step toward securing the support you need for your education. Students planning to start school in the fall of 2025 should submit a 2025-2026 FAFSA.
We expect the 2025-26 FAFSA to be available by December 1. We're closely monitoring the FAFSA launch. If there are any delays, rest assured - we'll promptly provide alternative instructions on applying for financial aid at Gonzaga.
A few Gonzaga scholarships require a separate application. We recommend viewing the Scholarship Opportunities page for those scholarships requiring an additional application. Many of Gonzaga's other scholarships are offered either through majors of study or through other criteria set forth by the particular scholarship. You are also encouraged to view our outside scholarship database to view available scholarships not specific to Gonzaga.
How Financial Need is Determined
For most types of financial aid, the financial aid office will need to determine your financial need. There is no "income cutoff" or simple method of determining whether a student will qualify for need-based aid. If you think you might need help paying for college, you should apply for financial aid.
Cost of Attendance
- Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Grants, scholarships, other resources
= Financial need/maximum aid eligibility
The cost of attendance is determined each year by the University and includes not only tuition and fees, but also your room and meals, books and supplies, traveling expenses, and cost of living — in other words, the cost of being a student.
The total amount of financial aid a student receives cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is the output of the FAFSA form - it is a standard formula used to help schools determine a family's ability to pay for school.
The total grants, scholarships and other need-based aid like federal or state work study and subsidized direct loans, are also a part of the financial need equation. Gonzaga's financial aid office is required to take these into consideration when determining financial need.
When SAI is more than the cost of attendance
If your SAI is more than the cost of attendance then you do not qualify for federal or state need-based aid. You will be considered for the non-need scholarships, the Gonzaga Grant, unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, the Federal Parent PLUS loan and private loans.
Checklist for Successful Financial Aid
The following list can be used to ensure your financial aid is completed and disbursed in a timely manner. If you have any questions regarding this list or any of the requirements you may have, please stop by or contact our office at finaid@gonzaga.edu or 509-313-6582.
General Requirements |
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| File your FAFSA, list Gonzaga as a school to receive your information. | |
| Accept or decline all financial aid offers on ZagWeb. | |
| Submit information for unsatisfied tracking requirements on ZagWeb. | |
Loans |
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| First time Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loan borrowers: Sign a Master Promissory Note and complete Loan Entrance Counseling at www.studentaid.gov | |
| Parent PLUS Loan: Apply for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan after June 1st at www.studentaid.gov | |
Additional Steps |
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| Report outside scholarships you plan to receive for the academic year. | |
| Register for classes. | |
| Calculate your out-of-pocket expenses. | |
| Confirm charges and make payment arrangements with Student Accounts after viewing your bill online. | |
| Review the Gonzaga Guarantee and Satisfactory Academic Progress policies. | |