Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships

Presidio Graduate School offers scholarships based on economic need, academic performance, and diverse representation to assist both new and current students as they balance the costs of their graduate education. We are proud to recognize the achievements of incoming students who embody Presidio’s core values by demonstrating ethical leadership, an exceptional commitment to equity and inclusion, promotion of social justice, and a drive for sustainability.

Apply for our scholarship opportunities below or set up a call with our Admissions Team to learn more about payment plans, financial aid, or how to finance your graduate degree.

Presidio also awards The Spiekhout Scholarship once per year to an incoming student who presents a demonstrated commitment to social justice or social impact. John A. Spiekhout was a pillar of his community who believed passionately in social justice and understood that the world was facing unprecedented challenges that demanded a new brand of leadership. The Spikehout Scholarship honors his legacy through generous funding from his family, including alumna Rebekah Helzel, Linda Mantel, and the Helzel Family Foundation. The Spiekhout Scholarship is identified by the Selection Committee and is not available by application.

Explore our scholarship opportunities below or set up a call with our Admissions Team to learn more about payment plans, financial aid, or how to finance your graduate degree.

Apply for a Scholarship

Learn more and apply for a Presidio Scholarship.

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How do I apply as a new student?

Step 1: Complete your admission application.
Step 2: To apply for the Presidio Scholarship, students must provide the following through our scholarship application form.
Step 3: Our Scholarship Committee will review your application and reach out to inform you of any awards granted based on the documentation provided (including the estimated family contribution per FAFSA® and/or the circumstances shared in your scholarship statement).

What is the typical Presidio Scholarship award?

While the exact value of the Presidio Scholarship varies for each individual student, awards typically range between 10-50% of program tuition.

Availability and Renewal

This scholarship will be awarded for the duration of the entire program, and the criteria to continue receiving the award is to remain in good academic standing by maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Scholarship Application Deadline

Our scholarship deadlines fall on the same dates as our general application deadlines. We consider scholarship applications on a rolling basis up until the final admissions deadline and encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Please see admissions deadlines for dates.

Apply here

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“As a commuter student, applying for a scholarship from Presidio was a crucial step in my decision to enroll. Earning a scholarship absolutely impacted my ability to pursue a graduate degree from Presidio and I’d highly encourage anyone who is feeling daunted by the cost of higher education to apply!”
Laura Rankin
MBA Candidate

“Receiving the scholarship made it possible for me to step forward with a dream I've had for years. Be open to possibilities, all your unique experiences lead you here—by applying for a scholarship you may find yourself exactly where you need to be.”
Leilani
MBA/MPA Dual Degree Candidate

“The reality of being able to dedicate my life to this [sustainability] work is of a value so great to me it cannot be expressed in symbols. Thanks to the support of our generous donors, I’m able to fully give myself to making the world a better place.”
Heather Openshaw
MBA/MPA Dual Degree Candidate

“The power of lifelong education is a really gratifying experience. Not only are you achieving new levels of growth, but you attain community and influence in the process. Tell a story that is authentically you and others will notice—it's what led me to receive my scholarship!”
Demitri Fierro
MBA Degree Candidate

Financial Aid

Our Financial Aid Office is here to provide you with the necessary resources and guidance to navigate the financial aid student loan process. The first step to applying for financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Presidio Graduate School’s Federal Code is 042355. Applicants can apply for financial aid prior to receiving an admissions decision.

Students are eligible to receive aid up to their cost of attendance. To learn more about the type and terms of federal student loans available, contact the Financial Aid Office at 415-655-8952 or at finaid@presidio.edu.

Financial Aid Shopping sheet

The amounts shown on your Shopping Sheet are estimated and not guaranteed. Please see the financial services coordinator if you have questions regarding your aid.

The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet is a tool used to notify students about their financial aid package. It is a standardized form designed by the U.S. Department of Education to simplify the information regarding costs and financial aid so students can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school.

Finding the Shopping Sheet

The Shopping Sheet will be emailed to you by your financial services coordinator.

Example shopping sheets can be found here:

Sample Shopping Sheet

Estimates Can Change

The Shopping Sheet award numbers are based on your initial enrollment or estimated full-time enrollment if you were awarded before you were enrolled. The financial aid award may be updated after add/drop date of the semester, anytime a change is made to an award (ex. Scholarship added, Pell adjustment, loan adjustment, etc.) or if you add or drop classes.

Deferred Payment Plans

Presidio is committed to building a transformational and supportive educational environment. Students are encouraged to reach out directly to our Student Business Services to discuss their plans and/or build out a deferred payment plan in advance of the term start date to help manage their tuition and fees. Our team is ready to answer your questions and build a plan to help ease the financial burden of pursuing your degree.

Get in Touch

Segal AmeriCorps Matching Education Award

The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is a post-service benefit earned by individuals who complete approved terms of national service in AmeriCorps programs. The award is named after Eli Segal, a pioneer of national service and the first CEO of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is a one-year award available to prospective students applying for admission and is applied only to tuition in the first year of the program.

Matching Details* (2022-2023):

- Entering Dual Degree students: Presidio will match 100% of your Segal Award.
- Entering MBA students: Presidio will match 100% of your Segal Award.
- Entering Online MPA students: Presidio will match 50% of your Segal Award.
- Entering Certificate students: Presidio will match up to 25% of your Segal Award.

*Matching funds are contingent upon the student remaining in good academic standing as defined by our Student Catalog.

Apply Here

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Veterans Financial Aid Programs

To help veterans fund their education expenses, Presidio Graduate School participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Post-9/11 GI Bill®

Also known as Chapter 33 education benefits program this program provides funding for tuition, required fees, books, and housing for eligible veterans.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program covers eligible veteran students’ expenses above the GI Bill cap. The maximum Yellow Ribbon funding amount for the 2023-24 academic year is $9,600. Veterans must have 100% eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Eligible applicants will be automatically considered for this program after being accepted.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

External Funding Opportunities

You can find additional scholarships through third-party online search sites and organizations, some examples of which are listed here*:

*Presidio Graduate School does not sanction or endorse any company or organization providing scholarship funds. These are posted strictly as a courtesy to assist prospective students looking for additional sources of funding. Each website has been reviewed; however, no in-depth background checks are performed on individual companies. We advise students to use good judgment when submitting applications. Please be aware of the potential for online scholarship scams and please contact our office immediately to report suspicious behavior.