Golden Gate University | Flexible, Career-Focused Education for Working Professionals in San Francisco

Golden Gate University (GGU), founded in 1901 in San Francisco, is a pioneering institution dedicated to providing flexible, practical education tailored to working professionals. With a rich history of innovation—including the first evening law school in California and early adoption of online learning—GGU offers a wide range of degrees across business, law, accounting, taxation, finance, psychology, and public administration.

Located in the city’s financial and legal hub, GGU leverages its strategic location and over 300 business partnerships to enhance student opportunities. Accredited by WSCUC and the ABA, and boasting a global alumni network of over 68,000, GGU emphasizes personalized, skills-based learning taught by industry professionals. The university supports a vibrant student community and strong career outcomes, particularly in fields like taxation and law, while offering financial aid and flexible course formats to meet the needs of its diverse, primarily adult student population.

Golden Gate University: Education for the Working Professional in the Heart of San Francisco

Golden Gate University (GGU) stands as a venerable institution in San Francisco, with a rich history spanning over a century. Established in 1901, its roots trace back to a night school initiated by the San Francisco YMCA during the California Gold Rush. From its inception, GGU has been dedicated to providing practical, skills-based education to working adults, enabling them to advance their careers and achieve professional goals.

A Legacy of Practical Education

GGU holds the distinction of establishing California’s first evening law school in 1901, making legal studies accessible to a broader population. This commitment to flexibility and real-world application has remained a cornerstone of its philosophy. In 1908, it pioneered evening degrees in accounting for the Bay Area, followed by the School of Insurance in 1925.

The university continued to innovate, offering Northern California’s first evening MBA program in 1951 and establishing the School of Taxation in 1967, which grew to become the largest graduate tax program in the country by 1969. In 1972, Golden Gate College officially became Golden Gate University. Today, GGU continues to emphasize hands-on learning taught by practicing professionals, serving a global alumni network of over 68,000 individuals.

Campus and Learning Environment

Located in the vibrant heart of San Francisco, GGU’s main campus at 536 Mission Street offers a strategic advantage, nestled between the city’s legal and financial districts and the growing “South of Market” corporate corridor. This prime location provides unparalleled access to networking opportunities with over 300 business partners in the Bay Area and beyond. The “city as our extended campus” philosophy allows students to leverage San Francisco’s diverse and innovative environment for their studies and career development.

Recognizing the needs of its primarily working adult student body, GGU offers highly flexible learning formats, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options, with classes scheduled in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends. The university was an early adopter of online education, launching one of the country’s first web-based learning programs in 1996.

Academic Programs and Schools

GGU specializes in professional training, offering a wide array of degrees and certificates at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university’s academic offerings are structured across various schools, focusing on:

• Accounting: Programs like the BS in Accounting, MS in Accounting Data & Analytics, and the highly regarded Braden School of Taxation, offering MS in Taxation and LLM in Taxation, which is known for placing many graduates in “Big Four” and “Global Six” firms.
• Business and Management: Including the MBA, Executive MBA (EMBA), MS in Business Analytics, MS in Human Resource Management, MS in Information Technology Management, MS in Marketing, and BA in Management.
• Finance: Such as the MS in Finance, MS in Advanced Financial Planning, and MS in Financial Analytics.
• Law: The School of Law offers the Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM) in various specializations (e.g., Estate Planning, Taxation), and Master of Legal Studies (MLS).
• Psychology: Offering programs like the MA in Counseling Psychology and MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and BA in Psychology.
• Public Administration: With programs like the Master of Public Administration (MPA).
• General Studies: Including the AA in General Studies.

GGU’s student-faculty ratio is approximately 13:1, emphasizing personalized attention and interaction with experienced faculty who are experts in their respective fields.

Student Life and Community

Despite its focus on working professionals, GGU offers a range of student clubs and organizations designed to foster valuable skills, connections, and a sense of community. These include:

• Accounting and Tax Club
• AI Club
• American Society of Quality
• Ascend
• Business and Data Analytics Club
• Finance Club
• Information Technology Management Club
• International Student Club
• MBA Club
• Project Management Club
• Psychology Club
• Sports Club
• Startup Club
• Student Veterans of America
• Techno-Humanist Club
• Women In Technology (WIT)
• Yoga and Meditation Club

The university encourages engagement beyond the classroom, providing opportunities for professional development and social interaction within the GGU community.

Accreditation and Rankings

Golden Gate University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the regional accrediting body for universities in California and Hawaii. This accreditation has been consistently reaffirmed, demonstrating GGU’s commitment to quality education. Its School of Law is also accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a member of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS).

While specific annual rankings can vary, GGU is consistently recognized for its focus on working adults and its strong professional programs. For instance, EduRank 2024 placed GGU at #597 out of 2,496 American universities, and College Factual 2023 ranked it at #312 out of 3,964 US colleges.

Admissions and Financial Aid

For undergraduate admissions, applicants are generally required to have completed the equivalent of a US associate of arts degree (60 units) or 60 units of undergraduate-level credits and satisfy English Language Proficiency requirements. While GGU does not explicitly state average GPA, it considers official college transcripts. The university’s admissions process for both undergraduate and graduate programs often involves an online application and may recommend or require personal statements and interviews.

Tuition rates vary by degree level and program. As of current information, undergraduate tuition is approximately $462 per unit, while most graduate business and accounting programs are around $1,090 per unit, and the Braden School of Taxation is $1,250 per unit. GGU offers various financial aid options and scholarships to help students finance their education. A $250 tuition deposit is typically required to accept an offer of admission, though waivers may be available.

Graduate Success

Golden Gate University prides itself on preparing its graduates for successful careers. The university highlights that its tax students frequently secure positions at prestigious accounting firms. While comprehensive, university-wide graduate employment rates are not always publicly consolidated, the university provides detailed employment summaries for specific schools, such as the School of Law. For the Class of 2021, the School of Law reported that 70 graduates were employed in positions requiring bar passage, and 31 in J.D. Advantage roles, demonstrating strong career outcomes within the legal field.

Golden Gate University continues its legacy as a vital institution for adult learners, adapting to the evolving demands of the professional landscape and empowering individuals to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

FAQs about Golden Gate University

What is Golden Gate University known for?
Golden Gate University is known for providing flexible, career-focused education tailored to working professionals, with strengths in business, law, taxation, and finance.

Where is Golden Gate University located?
GGU is located at 536 Mission Street in the heart of San Francisco, between the city’s legal, financial, and tech districts.

Is Golden Gate University accredited?
Yes, GGU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Its School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Who typically attends Golden Gate University?
GGU primarily serves working adults and professionals seeking to advance or change careers, with flexible schedules and online options.

What programs does GGU offer?
GGU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with certificates, in fields such as business, law, taxation, accounting, finance, psychology, and public administration.

Does GGU offer online classes?
Yes, GGU offers fully online, hybrid, and on-campus classes. It was an early adopter of online education, launching web-based programs in 1996.

How flexible is the course schedule at GGU?
Courses are offered in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends to accommodate the schedules of working students.

How many students attend GGU?
GGU serves a diverse student population of adult learners, though enrollment numbers vary by term and program.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at GGU?
The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 13:1, allowing for personalized attention and small class sizes.

Who teaches at GGU?
Faculty at GGU are experienced practitioners and industry experts, offering real-world insights and mentorship to students.

What are the admission requirements for undergraduate programs?
Undergraduate applicants typically need at least 60 college-level units and must meet English language proficiency standards. Transcripts are required, and personal statements may be recommended.

What are the admission requirements for graduate programs?
Graduate program requirements vary but usually include a completed application, transcripts, a resume, and sometimes a personal statement or interview.

Does GGU require standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT?
Standardized tests are not always required and depend on the specific program. Many programs waive these requirements for qualified applicants.

What is the tuition at Golden Gate University?
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $462 per unit; graduate business and accounting programs are around $1,090 per unit; taxation programs cost about $1,250 per unit.

Is financial aid available at GGU?
Yes, GGU offers a range of financial aid options including federal aid, scholarships, grants, and tuition discounts for eligible students.

Are there scholarships at GGU?
GGU provides scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and professional background. Some programs also offer specialized scholarships.

What student organizations does GGU have?
GGU hosts over 20 student clubs, including the AI Club, MBA Club, Accounting and Tax Club, Startup Club, Women in Technology (WIT), and Student Veterans of America.

Does GGU have a campus?
Yes, the main campus is in downtown San Francisco, offering proximity to major businesses and real-world learning opportunities.

Can international students attend GGU?
Yes, GGU welcomes international students and provides support services, visa guidance, and flexible study options.

How successful are GGU graduates?
GGU graduates frequently secure positions in top firms, especially in law, taxation, and accounting. Many alumni work at Big Four accounting firms and major corporations.

Does GGU help with job placement?
GGU offers career services, networking opportunities, employer partnerships, and job boards to support student employment after graduation.

What is the School of Law at GGU known for?
GGU’s School of Law is known for its accessible evening programs and strength in taxation, litigation, and public interest law. It’s ABA-accredited and offers JD and LLM degrees.

How large is GGU’s alumni network?
GGU has a global alumni network of over 68,000 professionals working across diverse industries.

What makes GGU different from other universities?
GGU focuses specifically on adult learners, offering unmatched flexibility, practical education, and instruction by professionals active in their fields.

Can I transfer credits to GGU?
Yes, GGU accepts transfer credits, particularly for undergraduate programs. Evaluations are based on transcripts and course equivalency.

When was Golden Gate University founded?
GGU was founded in 1901, originally as a night school run by the San Francisco YMCA.

Is housing available for GGU students?
GGU does not offer on-campus housing but assists students in finding nearby accommodations in San Francisco.

How do I apply to GGU?
Applications are submitted online. Requirements vary by program and may include transcripts, personal statements, and interviews.

Are there executive or accelerated programs at GGU?
Yes, GGU offers executive programs like the Executive MBA (EMBA) and accelerated degree pathways in various disciplines.

Does GGU offer continuing education or certificates?
Yes, GGU offers professional certificates and continuing education in areas like project management, accounting, taxation, and HR.

What industries do GGU grads typically enter?
GGU graduates commonly enter fields such as law, accounting, finance, tech, human resources, taxation, and public administration.

Is Golden Gate University nonprofit or for-profit?
GGU is a private, nonprofit university.