Gonzaga vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Gonzaga University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (7,470 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gonzaga University is located in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gonzaga University 12:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

Gonzaga vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gonzaga or SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University than Gonzaga ($25,232 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gonzaga University are 4.6% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($15,730 vs. $16,491).
• Gonzaga University is 37.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $15,073 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.3% higher at Gonzaga than at Seattle Pacific University (about $15,073 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gonzaga University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gonzaga University students is 5.8% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($33,390 vs. $31,558).

Gonzaga vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gonzaga or SPU? 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 SPU and Gonzaga.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gonzaga University (1290) is 100 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming Gonzaga students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gonzaga University 1190/1380; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gonzaga University 27/31; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gonzaga - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Gonzaga students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than Gonzaga (81.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.5% at Gonzaga vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Gonzaga vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gonzaga and SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University's (74%).
• Graduates from Gonzaga University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,600 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $791 lower median loan debt than Gonzaga graduates ($25,603 vs. $26,394).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gonzaga graduates ($264 vs. $272).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SPU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.