Gonzaga vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Washington University is larger than Gonzaga based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 7,470 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gonzaga University is located in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting); Western Washington University is in Bellingham, WA (Small City setting).
• Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gonzaga University 12:1; Western Washington University 18:1.

Gonzaga vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gonzaga or Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University than Gonzaga ($24,338 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gonzaga University are 0.1% lower than at Western Washington University ($15,730 vs. $15,747).
• Gonzaga University is 479% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Washington University (about $45,898 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $9,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.3% higher at Gonzaga than at Western Washington University (about $26,773 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $28,707.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gonzaga University than at Western Washington University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gonzaga University students is 383.8% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($33,390 vs. $6,902).

Gonzaga vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gonzaga University (1290) is 20 points higher than at Western Washington University (1270).
• Incoming Gonzaga students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Western Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gonzaga University 1190/1380; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gonzaga University 27/31; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gonzaga - Test optional; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Gonzaga students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than Gonzaga (81.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.5% at Gonzaga vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

Gonzaga vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gonzaga and Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University's (73%).
• Graduates from Gonzaga University earn a median of about $13,600 more per year than Western Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,600 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $6,981 lower median loan debt than Gonzaga graduates ($19,413 vs. $26,394).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gonzaga graduates ($200 vs. $272).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Washington University 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.