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Gonzaga University vs Washington State University

Gonzaga University is a private university in Spokane, WA. Washington State University is a public university in Pullman, WA. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants and Washington State University about 87%, making Gonzaga University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,971 a year at Washington State University after aid, and about $35,119 at Gonzaga University. About 87% of students graduate at Gonzaga University, compared with 61% at Washington State University. Ten years after enrolling, Gonzaga University alumni earn a median of about $78,892, against $68,905 for Washington State University.

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Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private

Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Spokane, WA
Pullman, WA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,198
21,099
Acceptance rate
82%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1380
1020–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
20–26
Test policy
Considered
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,119
$14,971
Full cost / yr
$73,178
$27,648
In-state tuition
$55,480
$13,391
Out-of-state tuition
$55,480
$29,950
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,833
$7,074
$30k - $48k
$23,112
$8,971
$48k - $75k
$25,106
$11,519
$75k - $110k
$33,949
$18,426
Over $110k
$42,668
$24,726
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
61%
Freshman retention
93%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$66,525
$53,510
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,892
$68,905
Median debt at graduation
$24,454
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
27%
First-generation students
13%
34%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Mar 31

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Gonzaga University or Washington State University harder to get into?
Gonzaga University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 87% at Washington State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Gonzaga University or Washington State University?
Washington State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,971 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,119 at Gonzaga University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Gonzaga University and Washington State University?
Before aid, Washington State University costs about $27,648 a year and Gonzaga University about $73,178. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Gonzaga University or Washington State University?
Washington State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,074 there, against about $20,833 at Gonzaga University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Gonzaga University or Washington State University?
Washington State University is the larger of the two, with about 21,099 undergraduates against 5,198 at Gonzaga University.
Does Gonzaga University or Washington State University have a better graduation rate?
Gonzaga University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 61% at Washington State University.
Do graduates of Gonzaga University or Washington State University earn more?
Gonzaga University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,892 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,905 for Washington State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Gonzaga University and Washington State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Gonzaga University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Washington State University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Gonzaga University and Washington State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1380 at Gonzaga University and 1020–1210 at Washington State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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