Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Spokane, Washington
76% Acceptance Rate
Gonzaga University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
76%Acceptance Rate
3.67Avg GPA
1316Avg SAT
29Avg ACT
$69,290Annual Cost
$78,892Grad Salary
13.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
76%
Avg GPA
3.67
Avg SAT
1316
Avg ACT
29
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1220–1410
ACT Middle 50%
26–31
Need-Based Aid
13.3% receive Pell
Gonzaga University, established in 1887 in Spokane, Washington, is a top-ranked Catholic Jesuit institution, celebrated for its law and business schools. U.S. News places it in the top 100 national universities, featuring iconic facilities like the McCarthey Athletic Center.
Gonzaga blends rigorous academics with a commitment to social justice, offering study abroad programs, STEM labs, and a vibrant campus culture anchored in Jesuit values.
Gonzaga University Acceptance Rate
Gonzaga University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 76%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 76% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.22
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Gonzaga University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Gonzaga University is 3.67. Gonzaga University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.87-4.07 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.37 and 3.67, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Gonzaga University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Gonzaga University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.67, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.27 – 3.46
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.26
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate: approximately 79?82% (BigFuture: 79.62%; Niche: 82%); Early Action deadline November 15 (non-binding, notification mid-December), Regular Decision deadline February 1; application fee $50; test-optional - Gonzaga superscores ACT; ACT Science subject test is optional beginning Fall 2025 even for submitters; mid-50% ACT 29?32, SAT 1230?1410 for submitters; average GPA of admitted students approximately 3.7.
- Two required writing components for all applicants: (1) Common App personal essay (choose one prompt, standard 650-word limit); (2) Gonzaga supplemental short answer (300 words, 5?10 sentences, choose Prompt A or Prompt B); Nursing applicants also complete a third short answer (5?10 sentences, 800-word maximum) on experiences and motivations for choosing nursing; one letter of recommendation from a teacher in an academic area is required.
- Gonzaga's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a direct-admit program applied to at the freshman stage through Common App; internal transfer into nursing is not a reliable pathway; nursing applicants are evaluated on four years of math, science course rigor, and nursing-specific essay alongside the standard holistic review; all direct nursing admits and test-optional applicants have equal access to automatic merit scholarships and the Honors Program.
- Gonzaga is a Jesuit university in Spokane, WA (founded 1887); approximately 5,200 undergraduates; Gonzaga's basketball program (NCAA Division I, WCC) has produced the most NBA draft picks of any WCC school; the Center for Community Action and Service Learning (CCASL) coordinates service partnerships across the Spokane region; Gonzaga maintains a campus in Florence, Italy, where approximately 250 students study each year; the university's School of Engineering and Applied Science and School of Business Administration are both ABET and AACSB accredited respectively.
- The Rigor Metric: At Gonzaga University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Gonzaga University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Gonzaga University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Gonzaga University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Gonzaga University Without SAT or ACT?
Gonzaga University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Gonzaga University Average SAT Score: 1316
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Gonzaga University is 1316 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1316 — Competitive
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1316 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1410 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Gonzaga University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1220, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Gonzaga University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 650 | 600 | 700 |
| SAT Reading | 665 | 620 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1316 | 1220 | 1410 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1220 then you are below most of the admitted students at Gonzaga University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1410 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Gonzaga University with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Gonzaga University are good but the admission staff at Gonzaga University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Gonzaga University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Gonzaga University is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 29 — Competitive
This score makes Gonzaga University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 30 |
| ACT English | 29 | 25 | 32 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 26 | 31 |
Can I get into Gonzaga University with a 31 ACT?
A 31 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Gonzaga University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Gonzaga University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Gonzaga University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Gonzaga University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 31 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Gonzaga University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Gonzaga University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Choose Your Short Answer Prompt Strategically - It Is the Essay That Reveals Jesuit Fit
Gonzaga's 2025?26 supplement has one required short answer (300 words, 5?10 sentences) chosen from two prompts. Prompt A: "A Gonzaga education promotes dedication to human dignity, social justice, diversity, global engagement, solidarity with the vulnerable, and environmental stewardship. Reflecting on these values, how have you shown your commitment to standing for and with others in your actions?" Prompt B: "Gonzaga's Presidential Speaker's Series invites leaders from around the world to share their work and passions with the GU community. If you were able to invite any living person to come and speak to the GU community, who would it be? Why would you want to invite them?" Nursing applicants must also complete an additional short answer (5?10 sentences, 800 words maximum): "What experiences have led you to choose the field of nursing? Why do you believe nursing is a good career path for you?" Prompt A is the explicit Jesuit mission alignment test; Prompt B reveals intellectual interests and aspiration. Neither prompt is preferred by admissions, but choosing Prompt B with a subject whose selection reveals nothing distinctive about the student is a missed opportunity at 300 words.
Nursing Is Direct Admit at Gonzaga - Apply to It Directly, Not as a Backup Major
Gonzaga's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a direct-admit program: students apply to the nursing program as part of the Common App application, and admission to nursing is evaluated separately from general university admission. Gonzaga specifically states that it "seeks prospective nursing students who have challenged themselves with science courses, have taken math all four years of high school, and who have an understanding of the field." The nursing short answer (up to 800 words on nursing experiences and career rationale) is required only for nursing applicants and is the primary personal-impression document for that pool. Students who want to be nurses and apply to Gonzaga under a different major to "get in first" and then transfer to nursing have misunderstood the structure - nursing is direct-admit only, internal transfer into nursing is not a reliable pathway, and students who apply to biology or health studies with the intent to switch will likely find the transfer to nursing unavailable.
Apply Early Action by November 15 - It Is Non-Binding and Provides Earlier Financial Aid Clarity
Gonzaga's Early Action deadline is November 15 (non-binding), with Regular Decision due February 1. EA applicants receive decisions in mid-December and gain earlier access to merit scholarship notifications. Gonzaga explicitly states that applying without test scores provides full access to automatic merit scholarships, direct nursing admission, and the Honors Program - eliminating a common deterrent for test-optional applicants who fear being disadvantaged. Gonzaga superscores the ACT (combining best sub-scores across sittings), and beginning Fall 2025, the ACT Science subject test is optional even for students who do submit scores. Students from the Pacific Northwest, California, and Hawaii tend to apply heavily to Gonzaga - awareness of the geographic concentration of the applicant pool is useful context for out-of-region students who may assume the overall acceptance rate of approximately 79?82% reflects more supply than demand than it actually does for peak-demand applicants.
Use the Spokane Location and Gonzaga's Community Partnership Network as a Specific Essay Frame
Gonzaga is in Spokane, Washington - not Seattle, not a major metro - and its Jesuit mission explicitly frames this as intentional: service to and alongside the Spokane community is a lived value, not a marketing statement. The Center for Community Action and Service Learning (CCASL) coordinates hundreds of annual service placements throughout the Spokane region. Prompt A of the short answer directly asks how the student has "stood for and with others" - a phrasing drawn from Jesuit "solidarity with the vulnerable" language. A student who has a genuine service history and can connect it to the Spokane community specifically - naming a Gonzaga partner organization, acknowledging the urban-rural Pacific Northwest context, or identifying a social issue present in the Spokane region - is writing a more precisely aligned essay than one who discusses service in abstract national terms. The essay is designed to distinguish students who understand what GU's mission means in practice, not just in principle.
Expert Insight:
Gonzaga's acceptance rate of approximately 79?82% combined with a yield rate that supports a class of approximately 1,100 students annually creates a specific counseling risk: students who assume the high acceptance rate means a casual application will be successful. Gonzaga explicitly lists essays, character, and personal qualities as "very important" factors in holistic review - alongside GPA and rigor - making it one of the few universities in its acceptance rate range where the short answer carries significant weight relative to credentials. A student with a 3.9 GPA who submits a brief, non-specific Prompt A response about "helping out at a food bank" without naming any specific moment, reflection, or connection to Gonzaga's values is submitting the weakest possible version of that essay. At 300 words (5?10 sentences), there is no length penalty - every sentence is visible, and every vague sentence is visible as vague. Write the short answer with the same care as a 650-word personal statement.
Gonzaga University Profile
Full Name
Gonzaga University
City
Spokane
State
Washington
ZIP Code
99258-0001
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Gonzaga University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Gonzaga University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Gonzaga University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Gonzaga University is $67,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.77%.
How much does a degree from Gonzaga University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Gonzaga University is $69,290. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Gonzaga University is much less than this.
13.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 36 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Gonzaga University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Gonzaga University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Gonzaga University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Gonzaga University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $78,892. An average Gonzaga University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Gonzaga University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Gonzaga University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 1323 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Gonzaga University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
Degree Programs at Gonzaga University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Gonzaga University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Gonzaga University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $78,892 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $69,290 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
13.3% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Gonzaga University is 76% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.67. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.37, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.37, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.27 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.67, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Gonzaga University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1316 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1220–1410.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.