About Golden Gate University
Students pay $31,243 in annual tuition regardless of residency status. Only 22% receive financial aid, reflecting the school's focus on working adults who often have employer support. Graduates carry a median debt of $29,875 but earn strong returns on their investment. Median earnings reach $87,434 within ten years of graduation, with some recent graduates earning over $112,000 within five years. The monthly loan payment of $317 becomes manageable given these earning potential figures.
The student body skews male at 60%, reflecting the business and law focus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio enables personalized attention crucial for working students balancing careers and education. With a 92% employment rate, graduates typically leverage their degrees for immediate career advancement rather than traditional job searching. The trimester system accelerates degree completion, appealing to professionals eager to apply new skills quickly.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $87,434
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,861 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $84,653 |
| Taxation. | Master | $79,284 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Doctoral | $73,949 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $71,734 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $66,941 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $63,005 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $53,775 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $52,789 |
| Marketing. | Master | $47,260 |
Campus Life
San Francisco's mild Mediterranean climate means you'll need layers rather than heavy winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F or rising above 75°F. The university doesn't offer traditional campus housing, so students live throughout the Bay Area and commute to classes. With 60% male enrollment, the gender balance reflects the business and law focus that draws professionals seeking evening and weekend programs.
Campus life revolves around networking events and professional development rather than typical college parties. Students often grab coffee between classes at nearby cafes or attend industry events throughout the city. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions, while the urban location provides internship opportunities steps from major corporations and law firms.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Founded
- 1901
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–57°F
- July Avg
- 54°–66°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 22.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 60.4%
- Women
- 39.6%
- White
- 28.7%
- Black
- 16.9%
- Hispanic
- 16.9%
- Asian
- 8.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.0%
Location
- Address
- San Francisco, California 94105-2968
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $87,434
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $112,634
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $72,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $317/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $29,875
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body size at Golden Gate University?
Golden Gate University enrolls just 550 students, making it one of the smallest universities in San Francisco. This intimate size allows the school to focus on its core mission of serving working professionals through flexible business and law programs. The small enrollment creates a tight-knit community where students often balance careers with their studies.
How much does Golden Gate University cost per year?
Tuition at Golden Gate University runs $31,243 annually for all students regardless of residency status. Only 21.96% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's focus on working professionals who often pay their own way. Graduates typically leave with $29,875 in debt and monthly loan payments of $317.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Golden Gate University?
Golden Gate University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. The university operates on a trimester system, allowing working professionals to accelerate their studies or take breaks as needed. This structure has made Golden Gate a longtime favorite among San Francisco business professionals seeking career advancement.
What are the career outcomes for Golden Gate University graduates?
Golden Gate University graduates achieve a 92% employment rate and earn a median salary of $87,434 ten years after graduation. The school's location in San Francisco's financial district gives students direct access to internships and jobs in banking, tech, and consulting. However, only 55.90% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, suggesting some graduates struggle with debt relative to earnings.
Where is Golden Gate University located?
Golden Gate University sits in downtown San Francisco, surrounded by the city's financial and legal districts. The urban campus puts students within walking distance of major corporations, law firms, and networking opportunities. This prime location has been central to the university's identity since its founding in 1901 as a school for working adults.
Does Golden Gate University have a diverse student body?
Golden Gate University's student body is 28.73% White, 16.91% Black, 16.91% Hispanic, and 8.55% Asian, reflecting San Francisco's multicultural population. Men comprise 60.36% of enrollment while women make up 39.64%, which is typical for business-focused programs. The school attracts working professionals from across the Bay Area's diverse communities.
