At $36,371/yr net price, Gonzaga University graduates earn $78,892/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,892/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,371 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $145,484 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,892/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,892/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,454 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,364/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,330/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,096/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,623/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,615/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $187,234 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,418 | $54,023 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $82,685 | $34,912 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,930 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,447 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $67,324 | $32,188 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,741 | $25,886 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,260 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,859 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
86.9% of students at Gonzaga University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Gonzaga delivers strong financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of nearly $79,000 outpacing the $36,371 annual net price within five years of graduation. The 87% graduation rate and 94% retention rate indicate you'll likely finish your degree, avoiding the financial dead end of college debt without a diploma.
Teacher education programs produce strong returns at $187,234 median earnings, making Gonzaga one of the best teaching preparation investments in the region. Nursing graduates earn $105,418 but carry $54,023 in debt, creating a longer payback period despite strong regional healthcare demand in the Pacific Northwest. Business administration offers solid middle-ground returns at $82,685 with manageable $34,912 debt loads.
The low 13% aid rate reveals Gonzaga's main financial risk: you'll pay close to sticker price regardless of family income. Merit scholarships exist but aren't automatic, so apply early and showcase academic achievements aggressively. Engineering programs show surprisingly modest returns at $69,338, making state schools potentially better investments for STEM careers.
Gonzaga works financially if you're pursuing teaching, nursing, or business and can handle the high upfront costs. The Spokane job market limits some opportunities compared to Seattle, but regional alumni networks remain strong in healthcare, education, and local business sectors. Skip Gonzaga if you need significant need-based aid, want engineering at maximum value, or plan careers requiring graduate school where undergraduate debt becomes problematic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gonzaga University worth the high tuition cost?
Gonzaga's $36,371 annual net price is steep for median earnings of $78,892 ten years after graduation. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with teacher education programs showing strong returns at $187,234 but many other fields underperforming relative to cost.
What are the best paying majors at Gonzaga University?
Teacher education leads with median earnings of $187,234, followed by nursing at $105,418. Business and engineering majors earn significantly less at $69,338-$82,685, making the high tuition harder to justify for those programs.
How much debt do Gonzaga University students typically graduate with?
Gonzaga graduates carry a median debt of $24,454, which is manageable compared to the school's high sticker price. However, this figure reflects only federal loans and doesn't include private loans or parent borrowing.
Does Gonzaga University provide good financial aid to offset costs?
With a net price of $36,371 after aid, Gonzaga's financial assistance helps but still leaves families paying more than most state schools. The 86.9% graduation rate suggests students can complete degrees, but the cost remains high for middle-income families.