Frequently Asked Questions

1 . When will I receive my financial aid award?^

Transfers students who have applied early and who have filed their FAFSAs by the February 1 Priority Filing Deadline will have financial aid awards mailed to them in early May. Then, financial aid awards are completed and mailed on a weekly basis for those students who have been admitted and whose FAFSAs have been received.

2 . How long do I have to decide whether or not I will accept my financial aid award?^

You generally have 30 days from when you receive your Award Notice to accept or decline your financial aid offer.

3 . Can my financial aid award change?^

Yes. Your initial financial aid award offer is based on the FAFSA information we have at the time the award created. After that time we complete the verification process (checking your FAFSA information against tax documents and other information like family size, number in college, etc. Any discrepancies may cause a change to your financial aid award. Therefore, it is to your advantage to make sure that information on your FAFSA is as accurate as possible.

4 . What happens to my financial aid if I receive an outside scholarship?^

Gonzaga University believes that you deserve to be recognized for your work in obtaining outside scholarships - and that you deserve the financial reward that comes with it. Therefore, we will not reduce your Gonzaga scholarships or grants unless the combination of your Gonzaga scholarships/grants and your outside scholarships exceed the cost of attendance. (According to federal regulations, your total financial aid package cannot exceed the cost of attendance.) However, do be aware that outside scholarships may affect some loan or work study eligibility.

5 . What if there are unusual circumstances in my family?^

Unfortunately, there are times when a parent loses a job, there is a death or divorce in the family, your house is damaged by an earthquake, or some other out of the ordinary event occurs. Gonzaga University does believe that there are some circumstances that warrant further investigation and review. If you have unusual family circumstances, please feel free to contact the financial at office at (800) 793-1716 to determine what kind of documentation we will need to assess your situation. You might also check the Special Conditions Appeal Form to see if this tool fits your needs.

6 . What is the verification process and do I need to do it?^

The verification process is a federal requirement that mandates that financial aid offices confirm that the information provided on your FAFSA matches tax documents and other information such as family size, number of people attending college, asset information, income exclusions, etc... Approximately 30 percent of all applicants are randomly chosen for this review process. Gonzaga University will notify you of any documents that we will need from you. In order to finalize your financial aid award, you do need to return those documents to us in a timely manner. Remember, until the verification process has been completed, your financial aid award can change. The more accurate your initial FAFSA information is, the fewer adjustments we will need to make later.

7 . What is the average student loan debt for a Gonzaga University graduate?^

For students who graduated in 2000, their average student loan debt was $21,357. (A lot less than a new mid-size vehicle!) Gonzaga’s current Stafford Loan cohort default rate is 1.1 percent and the Perkins Loan cohort default rate is 1.77 percent. (National average is 5.6 percent.) We are pleased to be among the lowest default rates in the country.