Gonzaga vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gonzaga University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (7,470 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gonzaga University is located in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gonzaga University 12:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Gonzaga vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gonzaga or PLU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Pacific Lutheran University than Gonzaga ($22,299 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 17.3% lower than at Gonzaga University ($13,008 vs. $15,730).
• Gonzaga University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLU (about $3,226 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Gonzaga than at Pacific Lutheran University (about $3,226 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gonzaga University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 21.5% larger than aid received by Gonzaga University students ($40,573 vs. $33,390).

Gonzaga vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gonzaga or PLU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between PLU and Gonzaga.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gonzaga University (1290) is 140 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming Gonzaga students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at PLU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gonzaga University 1190/1380; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gonzaga University 27/31; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gonzaga - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Gonzaga (3.67).
• Gonzaga has a higher acceptance rate (81.7%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.5% at Gonzaga vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Gonzaga vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gonzaga and PLU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Gonzaga University's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Gonzaga University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,600 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $594 lower median loan debt than Gonzaga graduates ($25,800 vs. $26,394).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gonzaga graduates ($266 vs. $272).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.