Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private nonprofit institution serving adult and working learners through online and hybrid degrees, certificates, and in-person study in San Francisco. Its six schools span business, accounting, taxation, psychology, law, and emerging technology. A key point for applicants: GGU remains accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), but WSCUC’s October 19, 2026 action lists the university as “Accredited with Notice of Concern.” That means the commission says GGU currently meets its standards but is at risk of falling out of compliance with one or more of them. The commission has scheduled a special visit for Spring 2027. Review the latest [WSCUC accreditation record](https://www.wscuc.org/institutions/golden-gate-university/) and ask GGU how the notice may affect your program, future enrollment, and degree plans before committing.

Programs and how the San Francisco campuses work

GGU offers more than 60 programs across associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, plus undergraduate and graduate certificates. Areas include accounting, business management, finance, taxation, psychology and counseling, public administration, cybersecurity, computer science, data science, and law studies. Examples include the BS in Accounting, BA in Psychology, MBA and specialized business master’s degrees, MPA, MS in Taxation, LLM in Taxation, and new applied technology programs. Most are available online or in hybrid formats designed for adult students; delivery and campus options differ by degree. The School of Law’s Juris Doctor program is scheduled to reopen in Fall 2027, while its current offerings include online law studies and tax-law programs. Check the [degree and program directory](https://ggu.edu/degrees-programs/) for current admissions status and modality rather than assuming every degree is accepting applications.

Beginning Fall 2026, GGU expanded its San Francisco presence to two shared locations. The Downtown Campus is in the UC Law San Francisco Academic Village, with entrances at 333 Golden Gate Avenue, 198 McAllister Street, and 200 McAllister Street. The Lake Merced Campus is co-located with San Francisco State University at 1600 Holloway Avenue; 8 Tapia Drive is the recommended drop-off address for rideshare. GGU students can use facilities at both campuses, but selected programs meet at specific sites. Contact your program adviser to confirm where classes, advising, and required in-person sessions take place.

Tuition, scholarships and financial aid

For 2026–27, standard undergraduate tuition is $850 per unit; active-duty students, GGU Aspire participants, and students in the Associate’s Degree Transfer Program may qualify for lower per-unit rates. For many graduate business, accounting, and psychology programs, the published full-time price is $13,080 per trimester for 9–15 units, or $1,090 per unit below full-time. Taxation and law have separate schedules. GGU estimates a two-trimester cost of attendance of $46,192 for a full-time undergraduate at the standard rate and $51,810 for a full-time graduate student in business, accounting, or psychology, including estimated living expenses and other indirect costs. These are planning estimates and do not apply to every degree; confirm additional course fees and the rate for your start term.

More than half of GGU students receive some financial support through grants, scholarships, or federal aid. Options include need-based and merit scholarships, international-student awards, employer tuition grants, active-duty rates, federal aid for eligible students, and the Yellow Ribbon program for qualifying veterans. Awards are subject to eligibility, funding, academic progress, and rules against combining certain tuition discounts. The university’s [cost-of-attendance and tuition page](https://ggu.edu/admissions/cost-of-attendance/) and [financial-aid information](https://ggu.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid/) explain current rates and options. Ask Financial Aid for a written estimate of your net cost for the specific program and trimester.

Contact and student perspectives

GGU’s current mailing address is 660 Fourth Street, Box 191, San Francisco, CA 94107; call (415) 442-7800 or write to info@ggu.edu. Student Services is listed at 415-442-7288 and is open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; the office works remotely on Fridays, so call ahead. Building access and services vary between the Academic Village and Lake Merced locations. Use the university’s [contact page](https://ggu.edu/about-ggu/contact-us/) to reach the right office and start an application.

Student accounts describe a university built around professional and adult learners: reviewers value flexible online study, instructors with industry experience, and course schedules that can fit alongside work. Some also report uneven communication or administrative support, and the WSCUC notice makes it especially important to ask direct questions about institutional progress. GGU does not offer a traditional residential campus experience; housing in San Francisco can add substantially to the budget. These comments are individual experiences, not guarantees. Prospective students should ask current students in the intended program about faculty access, course availability, career support, and how the new two-campus arrangement affects their classes.