Willamette University vs. Gonzaga

Comparable Facts

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

Gonzaga University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (7,470 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Willamette University vs. Gonzaga Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University 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 Willamette University than Gonzaga ($29,421 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gonzaga University are 2.6% lower than at Willamette University ($15,730 vs. $16,150).
• Gonzaga University is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $4,324 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Gonzaga than at Willamette University (about $4,324 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University as at Gonzaga University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 14% larger than aid received by Gonzaga University students ($38,080 vs. $33,390).

Willamette University vs. Gonzaga Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Willamette University 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 Willamette University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 50 points higher than at Gonzaga (1290).
• Incoming Willamette University 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: Willamette University 1240/1440; Gonzaga University 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Gonzaga University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Gonzaga - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Gonzaga (3.67).
• Gonzaga has a higher acceptance rate (81.7%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 17.5% at Gonzaga.

Willamette University vs. Gonzaga Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University 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 Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Gonzaga University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,600 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $394 lower median loan debt than Gonzaga graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,394).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gonzaga graduates ($268 vs. $272).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.