Overview
Gonzaga University is a less selective private four-year institution in Spokane, Washington. The school accepts 69.7% of applicants and enrolls 5,098 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 69.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,310
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,210–1,410
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 29
- Total Enrollment
- 5,098
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Gonzaga prioritizes demonstrated interest, so visit campus if possible and attend virtual information sessions. The school tracks your engagement through these touchpoints, and showing genuine interest in their Jesuit mission matters more than perfect test scores.
Your essays should connect to Gonzaga's "Cura Personalis" philosophy of caring for the whole person. Write about times you've helped others or grown through service, but avoid generic volunteer stories. The school wants to see how you'll contribute to their tight-knit community of around 5,000 students where professors know your name.
Engineering applicants should mention Gonzaga's ABET-accredited programs and the new Integrated Science and Engineering facility. Nursing candidates can highlight the program's strong clinical partnerships with regional hospitals. Computer science students benefit from small class sizes and direct faculty mentorship that larger tech schools can't match.
The Honors Program requires a separate application with additional essays, but it offers priority registration and smaller seminar courses. Apply early since spots are limited and the program improves your four-year experience significantly.
Gonzaga operates on rolling admissions, so submit your application by December 1st for the best scholarship consideration. Later applications face reduced financial aid availability, even though acceptance odds remain decent through spring.
The campus culture centers around basketball season and strong school spirit, but you don't need to be a sports fan to fit in. Students tend to be friendly, service-minded, and less competitive than at peer institutions. The Jesuit tradition creates an environment where faith discussions happen naturally, though you don't need to be Catholic to feel welcome.
Spokane offers outdoor recreation opportunities that many students mention in their "Why Gonzaga" essays. Connect your interests in skiing, hiking, or camping to the Pacific Northwest location. The city provides internship opportunities in healthcare, engineering, and business that complement classroom learning.
Submit strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know your character, not just your grades. Gonzaga's complete review process weighs personal qualities heavily, and admissions officers want evidence that you'll contribute positively to their close campus community.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $36,371/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $53,500
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $78,892/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 93.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gonzaga University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Gonzaga University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the application deadline for Gonzaga University?
Gonzaga University has a regular decision deadline of February 1st and an early action deadline of November 15th.
Does Gonzaga University offer early decision or early action?
Gonzaga University offers non-binding early action with a November 15th deadline. The school does not offer early decision.
Can transfer students apply to Gonzaga University's nursing program?
Transfer students can apply to Gonzaga University, but admission to the nursing program is highly competitive and has specific prerequisite requirements that must be completed before applying.