DU vs. Gonzaga

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than Gonzaga based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 7,470 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Gonzaga University is in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Denver 9:1; Gonzaga University 12:1.

DU vs. Gonzaga Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU or Gonzaga? 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 Gonzaga University than DU ($40,117 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gonzaga University are 11.4% lower than at University of Denver ($15,730 vs. $17,759).
• University of Denver is 10.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Gonzaga (about $5,918 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $55,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.7% higher at DU than at Gonzaga University (about $5,918 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $55,480.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gonzaga University than at University of Denver (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Denver students is 1.7% larger than aid received by Gonzaga University students ($33,955 vs. $33,390).

DU vs. Gonzaga Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 40 points higher than at Gonzaga (1290).
• Incoming DU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Gonzaga).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; Gonzaga University 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; Gonzaga University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; Gonzaga - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Gonzaga (3.67).
• Gonzaga has a higher acceptance rate (81.7%) than DU (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 17.5% at Gonzaga.

DU vs. Gonzaga Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU and Gonzaga? 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 University of Denver's (78%).
• Graduates from University of Denver earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Gonzaga graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,400 vs. $61,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Denver graduates have a $2,695 lower median loan debt than Gonzaga graduates ($23,699 vs. $26,394).
• Among borrowers, DU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gonzaga graduates ($245 vs. $272).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 72%)

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.