About Gonzaga University
Basketball fans know Gonzaga best for its March Madness runs and NBA legends like John Stockton and Adam Morrison. This Jesuit Catholic university in midsize Spokane enrolls 5,098 students and emphasizes social justice alongside rigorous academics. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I, turning a relatively small school into a national basketball powerhouse.
Students pay an average net price of $36,371 after financial aid, well below the $69,962 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $78,892 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,454 manageable with monthly payments of $259. The 96.1% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes. Only 13.26% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a relatively affluent student body.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom settings typical of smaller Catholic universities. Nearly 94% of freshmen return for sophomore year, reflecting strong student satisfaction. The school attracts students from across the country, with 44.39% coming from Washington state. Housing capacity of 2,990 beds accommodates more than half the student body, creating a close-knit campus community where Jesuit values shape both academics and campus culture.
Students pay an average net price of $36,371 after financial aid, well below the $69,962 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $78,892 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,454 manageable with monthly payments of $259. The 96.1% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes. Only 13.26% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a relatively affluent student body.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom settings typical of smaller Catholic universities. Nearly 94% of freshmen return for sophomore year, reflecting strong student satisfaction. The school attracts students from across the country, with 44.39% coming from Washington state. Housing capacity of 2,990 beds accommodates more than half the student body, creating a close-knit campus community where Jesuit values shape both academics and campus culture.
Academics & Faculty
Gonzaga operates as a Jesuit Catholic research university where social justice principles shape academic programs across disciplines. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide mentorship beyond coursework. With an 87% four-year graduation rate, students consistently complete degrees on schedule thanks to strong academic support systems. The business school attracts many students seeking careers in management and entrepreneurship. Engineering and nursing programs have built solid reputations for preparing graduates for professional licensing exams. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes critical thinking and ethical reasoning in every major. A 94% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with both academic rigor and the close-knit campus community that supports learning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 55.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 87.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.9%
- Retention Rate
- 93.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,892
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $187,234 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,418 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $82,685 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,930 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,447 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $67,324 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,741 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,260 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,859 |
Campus Life
Spokane sits 280 miles east of Seattle, giving Gonzaga a Pacific Northwest feel without the constant rain. You'll need a solid winter coat as snow blankets the campus from December through February. The 131-acre campus sits along the Spokane River, with red-brick buildings creating a classic collegiate atmosphere just minutes from downtown Spokane.
Housing accommodates 2,990 students, meaning most undergraduates live on campus and build tight-knit communities. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class sizes where professors know your name. Basketball dominates campus culture during winter months, with students camping out for tickets to games at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes service learning, so many students volunteer in Spokane's neighborhoods on weekends. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Students often head to nearby mountains for skiing or hiking, depending on the season. The 93.9% retention rate suggests most students quickly feel at home in this close-knit community of 5,098 students.
Housing accommodates 2,990 students, meaning most undergraduates live on campus and build tight-knit communities. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class sizes where professors know your name. Basketball dominates campus culture during winter months, with students camping out for tickets to games at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes service learning, so many students volunteer in Spokane's neighborhoods on weekends. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Students often head to nearby mountains for skiing or hiking, depending on the season. The 93.9% retention rate suggests most students quickly feel at home in this close-knit community of 5,098 students.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,990 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1887
Campus Safety (2023)
53 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–37°F
- July Avg
- 56°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 17.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 45.4"
Student Demographics
Students come from across the country, with 56% traveling from outside Washington state to attend this Jesuit institution. The basketball program's national prominence helps draw talent nationwide. White students make up about two-thirds of the enrollment, with Hispanic students representing the largest minority group at over 13%. Women slightly outnumber men, reflecting strong programs in nursing and education alongside traditional liberal arts. The Catholic mission attracts families seeking values-based education, while the social justice emphasis draws students committed to service. Only 13% receive Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly middle- to upper-middle-class student body.
- Men
- 46.7%
- Women
- 53.3%
- White
- 63.4%
- Black
- 1.2%
- Hispanic
- 13.3%
- Asian
- 6.7%
- In-State Students
- 44.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.3%
Location
Gonzaga sits in Spokane, Washington's second-largest city with 230,000 residents. The campus lies 280 miles east of Seattle in the heart of the Inland Northwest. Spokane blends urban amenities with outdoor recreation, positioned between the Cascade and Rocky Mountain ranges. The Spokane River runs through downtown, creating Riverfront Park where students often gather. Winter temperatures average 29°F, while summers reach into the 80s. The city's revitalized downtown offers internship opportunities in healthcare, technology, and finance. Spokane's cost of living runs 8% below the national average. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Gonzaga with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Spokane, Washington 99258-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,892
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $78,362
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $259/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,454
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Gonzaga University?
Gonzaga accepts 69.74% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1310. The Jesuit institution draws students who value its Catholic social justice mission alongside competitive academics.
How much does Gonzaga University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $36,371 after aid, though the sticker price reaches $69,962 with room and board. The university provides institutional grants averaging $27,601 to about 26% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Gonzaga University?
Gonzaga maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 5,098 enrolled students. This small class environment supports the Jesuit tradition of personalized education and mentorship.
What do Gonzaga University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $78,892 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $259. The 96.1% employment rate reflects strong career outcomes from the university's professional programs and alumni network.
Where do students live at Gonzaga University?
The Spokane campus houses 2,990 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community feel. With 93.91% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, students clearly connect with the campus culture.
Is Gonzaga University known for basketball?
The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I basketball and have produced NBA legends like John Stockton and Adam Morrison. The program consistently ranks among the nation's top and brings national attention to this 378-athlete athletic department.
