Seattle University vs Gonzaga University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Seattle University and Gonzaga University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Seattle University vs Gonzaga University at a glance
Seattle University admits 76.9% of applicants and Gonzaga University 81.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,324 at Seattle University and $32,750 at Gonzaga University. Six-year graduation rates are 70.7% and 85.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Seattle University admits 76.9% of applicants and Gonzaga University 81.7%, so Seattle University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,324 a year at Seattle University and $32,750 at Gonzaga University; Gonzaga University costs $1,574 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $21,379 at Seattle University and $24,657 at Gonzaga University.
- 70.7% of students graduate within six years at Seattle University, against 85.5% at Gonzaga University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $84,728 for Seattle University and $89,110 for Gonzaga University; Gonzaga University is $4,382 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Seattle University and $21,500 at Gonzaga University.
- Seattle University enrolls 4,062 students (large city) and Gonzaga University 5,198 (midsize city).
Side by side
Seattle University and Gonzaga University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Seattle University | Gonzaga University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 76.9% | 81.7% |
| Applicants | 8,539 | 8,853 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1200–1430 | 1190–1380 |
| ACT middle 50% | 23–30 | 27–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,324 | $32,750 |
| Tuition, in state | $58,965 | $57,250 |
| Tuition, out of state | $58,965 | $57,250 |
| Cost of attendance | $75,128 | $75,461 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $21,379 | $24,657 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $21,026 | $21,926 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $22,301 | $23,254 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $32,633 | $28,852 |
| Over $110,000 | $45,994 | $41,049 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 70.7% | 85.5% |
| First-year retention | 84.2% | 92.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $84,728 | $89,110 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 4,062 | 5,198 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Seattle, WA | Spokane, WA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Seattle University reports 65 bachelor's programs and Gonzaga University 46; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Seattle University vs Gonzaga University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Seattle University or Gonzaga University?
Seattle University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Seattle University admits 76.9% of applicants and Gonzaga University admits 81.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Seattle University 1200–1430; Gonzaga University 1190–1380.
Which is cheaper, Seattle University or Gonzaga University?
Gonzaga University has the lower average net price after grants: $34,324 a year at Seattle University against $32,750 at Gonzaga University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $21,379 and $24,657. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Seattle University or Gonzaga University graduates earn more?
Gonzaga University graduates earn more at the median: $84,728 ten years after entry for Seattle University and $89,110 for Gonzaga University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Seattle University or Gonzaga University?
Gonzaga University does: 70.7% of Seattle University students graduate within six years, against 85.5% at Gonzaga University.
How big are Seattle University and Gonzaga University?
Seattle University has 4,062 students in Seattle, WA and Gonzaga University has 5,198 students in Spokane, WA.