Gonzaga University logo

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA Private ยท Urban Est. 1887 www.gonzaga.edu
Accept Rate
75.96%
Grad Rate
87.5%
Enrollment
5,098
Avg SAT
1316
Tuition
$53,500
Median Salary
$78,892
Overall Grade
C+
A+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Gonzaga offers a tight-knit, community-focused campus where students feel genuinely supported by faculty and peers. The atmosphere is a blend of rigorous academics and strong Jesuit values, fostering a sense of purpose and service. It feels like a place where you're known, not just a number.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

75.96%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 131675th Pctl
12201410
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2975th Pctl
2631
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Emphasize your commitment to service and community involvement in your essays, as Gonzaga's Jesuit mission values this highly. 2. Apply Early Action to show your strong interest, as demonstrated interest can be a factor. 3. While test scores are considered, a strong GPA in rigorous courses is more important; aim for a well-rounded application that highlights your character.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1316
40080012001600
School range: 1220โ€“1410

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Gonzaga is renowned for its top-tier business school, strong pre-med and biology programs, and excellent engineering department. Classes are taught by professors, not TAs, ensuring high-quality, interactive teaching. Students have ample opportunities for undergraduate research, especially in the sciences and social sciences.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
26.6%
Biology & Biomedical
13.9%
Engineering
9.9%
Social Sciences
9.7%
Psychology
8%
Health Professions
5.9%
Communications
4.1%
Computer Science
3.7%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.4%
English & Literature
2.7%
Education
2.5%
History
2.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

87.5%
Graduation Rate
93.9%
Retention Rate
5,098
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$53,500
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$36,371
After financial aid
Total Cost
$69,290
Cost of attendance/year
13.3%
Receive Pell Grants
36%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Spokane

Spokane offers a vibrant mix of city life and outdoor adventure, with students enjoying the nearby Riverfront Park and the Centennial Trail for biking and walking. The city has a growing food and craft beer scene, and students can easily access skiing, hiking, and lakes just a short drive away. On-campus events, clubs, and Division I sports games are central to social life.

Local Rent Check

$1,012 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Spokane
Explore Spokane

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$214,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $214,000

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($78,892):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Gonzaga's campus is generally considered very safe, with its own dedicated campus safety department and well-lit pathways. The surrounding urban area of Spokane requires standard city awareness, but the campus itself is a secure and welcoming environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Exceptional 93.9% freshman retention rate indicates high student satisfaction.
  • โœ“ Strong, supportive community with a focus on Jesuit values and service.
  • โœ“ Top-ranked programs in business, engineering, and health sciences.
  • โœ“ High graduation rate (87.5%) ensures students complete their degrees.

Cons

  • โœ— High sticker price for tuition, though net price is lower with aid.
  • โœ— Located in Spokane, which is a smaller city and can feel remote from major coastal hubs.
  • โœ— Campus culture is heavily influenced by Greek life and athletics, which may not suit everyone.

Notable Alumni

Tommy Heinsohn
Former NBA player and coach for the Boston Celtics, Hall of Fame inductee.
John Stockton
NBA Hall of Fame point guard, all-time leader in assists and steals.
Mary K. Bonsteel Tachau
Pioneering disability rights attorney and key figure in the deinstitutionalization movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gonzaga is nationally recognized for its excellent academic programs, particularly in Business & Marketing, Biology, and Engineering. It is also known for its strong Jesuit identity, which emphasizes ethical leadership, service, and a holistic education. The university's men's basketball team is a major source of school spirit and national recognition.

Gonzaga has an acceptance rate of 75.96%, making it moderately selective. While it's not as competitive as some elite universities, admissions are holistic. The middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1230-1390, so strong academic performance and a compelling personal essay are key for admission.

Campus life is built around a strong sense of community and school spirit, especially during basketball season. There are over 140 student clubs and organizations, and Greek life plays a social role for a portion of the student body. The campus is located in a residential neighborhood, giving students a classic college-town feel within an urban setting.

Yes, for many students, the investment pays off. The 10-year median earnings of $78,892 for graduates are strong, and the high retention and graduation rates indicate a supportive environment that helps students succeed. The combination of a valuable degree, a powerful alumni network, and a positive career outlook makes it a worthwhile choice for those who fit the culture.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Amazon Microsoft Providence Health & Services Boeing Spokane Public Schools
Smart Start Score
85

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1887
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 5,453
  • In-State Tuition $53,500
  • Zip Code 99258

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 46.7% โ™€ 53.3%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price over $53,000, the cost is significant, but the average net price of $36,371 reflects substantial aid packages for many students. The strong 87.5% graduation rate and 10-year median earnings of $78,892 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates in business and health professions. The value is high for students who leverage the tight-knit alumni network and career services.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $53,500
Housing (12 mo) $12,144
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $72,844
With avg financial aid:
$36,371/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.