Gonzaga vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

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

Washington State University is larger than Gonzaga based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 7,470 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gonzaga University is located in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting); Washington State University is in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gonzaga University 12:1; Washington State University 15:1.

Gonzaga vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gonzaga or Washington State? 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 Washington State University than Gonzaga ($18,171 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington State University are 13.4% lower than at Gonzaga University ($13,622 vs. $15,730).
• Gonzaga University is 314.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington State (about $42,089 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $13,391.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.2% higher at Gonzaga than at Washington State University (about $25,530 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $29,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gonzaga University than at Washington State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gonzaga University students is 206.7% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($33,390 vs. $10,886).

Gonzaga vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gonzaga University (1290) is 170 points higher than at Washington State (1120).
• Incoming Gonzaga students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 23 at Washington State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gonzaga University 1190/1380; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gonzaga University 27/31; Washington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gonzaga - Test optional; Washington State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027; Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Gonzaga students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Washington State (3.5).
• Washington State has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than Gonzaga (81.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.5% at Gonzaga vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

Gonzaga vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gonzaga and Washington State? 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 Washington State University's (67%).
• Graduates from Gonzaga University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Washington State graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,600 vs. $54,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $5,965 lower median loan debt than Gonzaga graduates ($20,429 vs. $26,394).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gonzaga graduates ($211 vs. $272).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington State students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 71%)

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.