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Gonzaga University vs Western Washington University

Gonzaga University is a private university in Spokane, WA. Western Washington University is a public university in Bellingham, WA. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants and Western Washington University about 93%, making Gonzaga University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,193 a year at Western Washington University after aid, and about $35,119 at Gonzaga University. About 87% of students graduate at Gonzaga University, compared with 65% at Western Washington University. Ten years after enrolling, Gonzaga University alumni earn a median of about $78,892, against $62,569 for Western Washington University.

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Spokane, WA
Bellingham, WA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,198
13,544
Acceptance rate
82%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1380
1150–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
24–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,119
$21,193
Full cost / yr
$73,178
$30,359
In-state tuition
$55,480
$9,582
Out-of-state tuition
$55,480
$28,707
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,833
$12,915
$30k - $48k
$23,112
$14,147
$48k - $75k
$25,106
$17,539
$75k - $110k
$33,949
$24,301
Over $110k
$42,668
$27,984
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
65%
Freshman retention
93%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$66,525
$45,272
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,892
$62,569
Median debt at graduation
$24,454
$18,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
21%
First-generation students
13%
27%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 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 Western Washington University harder to get into?
Gonzaga University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 93% at Western Washington 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 Western Washington University?
Western Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,193 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 Western Washington University?
Before aid, Western Washington University costs about $30,359 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 Western Washington University?
Western Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,915 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 Western Washington University?
Western Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 13,544 undergraduates against 5,198 at Gonzaga University.
Does Gonzaga University or Western Washington University have a better graduation rate?
Gonzaga University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 65% at Western Washington University.
Do graduates of Gonzaga University or Western Washington University earn more?
Gonzaga University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,892 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,569 for Western Washington University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Gonzaga University and Western Washington University require SAT or ACT scores?
Gonzaga University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Western Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Gonzaga University and Western Washington University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1380 at Gonzaga University and 1150–1390 at Western Washington University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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