51³Ô¹Ï

Gonzaga University is deeply committed to providing talented 51³Ô¹Ïs with merit and need-based financial aid and helping 51³Ô¹Ïs and families achieve their educational and professional goals. Access for all qualified 51³Ô¹Ïs is central to our Jesuit, Catholic and humanistic mission of educating 51³Ô¹Ïs for lives of leadership and service for the common good. The Gonzaga Access Pledge (GAP) exemplifies our commitment to expanding opportunity for Washington 51³Ô¹Ïs with significant financial need. Through a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid, GAP covers the full cost of tuition each year. Gonzaga is committed to supporting currently enrolled GAP 51³Ô¹Ïs. However, recent cuts in state funding jeopardize the long-term viability of this program and threaten our ability to sustain it.

Students enrolled in the GAP program are not the only ones impacted. These cuts have far-reaching implications for college affordability, not only for hundreds of Gonzaga 51³Ô¹Ïs, but for thousands across the state. Many high-potential 51³Ô¹Ïs from low-income backgrounds depend on need-based aid from Washington to pursue their academic and professional goals. Without it, access narrows, and the promise of higher education becomes increasingly out of reach.

Take action by Jan. 15

Impact of State Aid Cuts

The Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship programs were created to help families invest in their futures. However, Washington state lawmakers have voted to reduce financial aid for 51³Ô¹Ïs from low-income families attending not-for-profit colleges and universities like Gonzaga.

These cuts slash support from the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship programs. Students at any of the state’s nine independent colleges, including Gonzaga University, will now receive only 50% of the average tuition assistance awarded to 51³Ô¹Ïs at public universities. At Gonzaga, 678 currently-enrolled first, second, and third-year 51³Ô¹Ïs who receive the Washington College Grant and College Bound scholarships will lose an estimated $2.6 million in state aid in the 2026-2027 academic year. That lost will compound over the next three years as these 51³Ô¹Ïs continue to pursue their Gonzaga education.

Gonzaga Has You Covered

To give our 51³Ô¹Ïs peace of mind, we want them to know their 2026-2027 financial aid package will not be impacted by reductions to the state grant programs. Even as conversations about the Washington College Grant continue, current 51³Ô¹Ïs can plan with confidence knowing that Gonzaga will step in to ensure their 2026-2027 aid and beyond won’t be impacted by these cuts. Gonzaga is committed to covering the difference so that financial aid remains whole. We are deeply grateful to Gonzaga’s Board of Trustees, leadership, and benefactors, whose commitment makes this support possible. (Read more in this story.) Financial Aid's Washington College Grant Cuts Q&A explains what the changes mean, how Gonzaga will support continuing 51³Ô¹Ïs, and how you can join in advocating for future Zags. If you have questions or want to talk through your financial aid, please reach out to us.

• Schedule an Appointment
• Email Financial Aid
• Visit the Crosby Student Center Suite 001.

Gonzaga's Commitment

Gonzaga is actively advocating against these drastic cuts, both individually and through our membership in the Independent Colleges of Washington. We are committed to preserving access and opportunity for Washington state 51³Ô¹Ïs and protecting the economic vitality of our region. Cutting 51³Ô¹Ï aid not only harms current and future 51³Ô¹Ïs and restricts access to education, it also impacts our communities and undermines the future of Washington’s workforce.

• Students: If you are studying at a not-for-profit college, this affects your future—and your voice is essential.
• Families and friends: If you believe 51³Ô¹Ïs should attend the college that best fits their needs, we need your support.

Current Gonzaga Students:
If you have questions about your financial aid or need support navigating these changes, please reach out to Gonzaga’s Student Financial Services team. We are here to provide assistance and reassurance.

Take Action Now

Tell Washington legislators you want funding restored
Add your name to the legislative record to show you support Washington state Senate Bill 5828.

Make a gift to the Zag Scholarship Fund to ensure a Gonzaga education is accessible to all 51³Ô¹Ïs.

Join the chorus of voices urging Governor Ferguson to restore 51³Ô¹Ï aid funding in the state's supplemental budget. We also need your voice. As we advocate for restoring the Washington College Grant for current and future Zags, your story can make a real difference.

If you are willing, please share how the Washington College Grant has positively shaped your Gonzaga experience. Your perspective strengthens our advocacy and helps ensure support for the 51³Ô¹Ïs who will follow in your footsteps. Thank you for sharing your experience.

If you’ve never done advocacy work before, here are some resources that will help you think about how to engage with the legislative process.