Seattle U vs Gonzaga

Seattle University and Gonzaga University, both esteemed institutions in the Pacific Northwest, offer distinct educational experiences. Seattle University, a Jesuit university in the heart of Seattle, boasts a diverse student body and a strong focus on social justice. Gonzaga University, a private Catholic university in Spokane, is known for its rigorous academics and Division I athletics. With acceptance rates of 75% and 65%, respectively, both universities offer competitive admissions. Seattle University's popular majors include nursing, business, and psychology, while Gonzaga University excels in business, engineering, and nursing. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' student demographics, graduation rates, and other key differences, and make an informed decision about which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Gonzaga University logo

Gonzaga University

Seattle University logo

Seattle University

Overview

Location Spokane, Washington Seattle, Washington
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 92.0% 85.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 76.2% 82.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $55
SAT range 1210 - 1380 1120 - 1330
ACT range 27 - 31 24 - 31
Students submitting SAT score 21.0% 26.0%
Students submitting ACT score 18.0% 10.0%
Total number of applicants 8,853 8,539
Total number of admissions given out 6,742 7,012
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,311 994
Yield rate 19.4% 14.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $64,356 $67,170
Average net price $35,529 $36,671
Tuition $47,560 $48,510
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,922

Meal plan: $6,520
Room/dormitory: $8,985

Meal plan: $4,050
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $26,861
99.0%
Average amount $28,346
Students receiving federal student loan 41.0%
Average amount $5,092
54.0%
Average amount $5,324
Students taking out private loans 12.0%
Average amount $8,834
4.0%
Average amount $22,022

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 4,986
Men 45.8% Women 54.2%
4,241
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Graduate students 2,395
Men 34.0% Women 66.0%
3,027
Men 33.9% Women 66.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 58.4% 56.4%
International students 2.8% 9.3%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,010 2,448
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Washington California Oregon Colorado Arizona Washington California Hawaii Oregon Colorado

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
  • Legal Profession
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Education
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 11:1
Institutional accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome

Graduation rate 85.1% 74.9%
Dropout rate 5.2% 24.6%
Transferred out 9.6% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,524
  • Year 2: $105,418
  • Year 3: $114,618
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,697
  • Year 2: $82,685
  • Year 3: $88,736
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,511
  • Year 2: $67,447
  • Year 3: $78,861
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,158
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $78,302
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,609
  • Year 2: $71,930
  • Year 3: $76,778
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,550
  • Year 2: $67,324
  • Year 3: $74,451
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,156
  • Year 2: $64,741
  • Year 3: $73,535
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,977
  • Year 2: $61,859
  • Year 3: $71,337
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,455
  • Year 2: $60,298
  • Year 3: $71,186
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,437
  • Year 2: $56,415
  • Year 3: $69,299
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $82,122
  • Year 2: $83,768
  • Year 3: $102,001
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,622
  • Year 2: $86,424
  • Year 3: $99,798
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,015
  • Year 2: $86,867
  • Year 3: $95,315
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,641
  • Year 2: $71,473
  • Year 3: $79,706
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $79,498
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,161
  • Year 2: $69,505
  • Year 3: $73,188
Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $61,888
  • Year 3: $72,373
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,130
  • Year 2: $60,452
  • Year 3: $71,929
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,852
  • Year 2: $62,012
  • Year 3: $71,624
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,594
  • Year 2: $63,749
  • Year 3: $71,065

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in location between Seattle University and Gonzaga University?

    Seattle University is located in the heart of Seattle, Washington, providing students with easy access to a vibrant urban environment, diverse job opportunities, and cultural attractions. Gonzaga University is situated in Spokane, Washington, offering a more traditional college town experience with a strong sense of community and access to outdoor recreational activities like skiing and hiking in the nearby mountains.

  • How do the academic programs at Seattle University and Gonzaga University compare?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Seattle University is particularly strong in law, business, and computer science, benefiting from its urban location and connections to Seattle's tech and legal industries. Gonzaga University is well-regarded for its law school, as well as its programs in business, education, and engineering. Both universities emphasize a Jesuit education, focusing on critical thinking, ethical leadership, and service to others.

  • What is the student life like at Seattle University versus Gonzaga University?

    Student life at Seattle University is characterized by its urban setting, with students often taking advantage of the city's cultural events, internships, and job opportunities. The campus is smaller and more integrated into the city. Gonzaga University offers a more traditional campus experience with a strong sense of community, school spirit, and a focus on campus-based activities, including a vibrant Greek life and NCAA Division I athletics, particularly basketball.

  • How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare between Seattle University and Gonzaga University?

    Tuition costs are generally comparable between Seattle University and Gonzaga University. Both universities offer a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help make education more affordable. Prospective students should explore the financial aid resources available at each university and compare the net costs after financial aid is applied.

  • What are the strengths of the faculty at Seattle University and Gonzaga University?

    Both universities boast dedicated and accessible faculty. Seattle University's faculty often have strong connections to the professional world in Seattle, providing students with valuable real-world insights and networking opportunities. Gonzaga University's faculty are known for their commitment to student mentorship and fostering a close-knit learning environment, reflecting the university's emphasis on community and personal growth.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Seattle University and Gonzaga University?

    Seattle University's campus is located in a bustling urban environment, with a mix of modern and historic buildings. Students have easy access to public transportation and the city's amenities. Gonzaga University has a more traditional, picturesque campus with a strong sense of community, featuring beautiful architecture and green spaces. The campus is located near the Spokane River, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities.

  • Which university, Seattle University or Gonzaga University, is better for students interested in specific career paths?

    Seattle University is often a strong choice for students interested in careers in law, business, and technology, given its proximity to major companies and law firms in Seattle. Gonzaga University is well-suited for students interested in law, education, and engineering, and those seeking a strong sense of community and a more traditional college experience. Both universities offer strong career services to assist students in their job searches.

  • What is the religious affiliation of Seattle University and Gonzaga University, and how does it impact the student experience?

    Both Seattle University and Gonzaga University are Jesuit Catholic institutions. This means that both universities emphasize values such as social justice, ethical leadership, and service to others. While the universities are Catholic, they welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. The Jesuit tradition influences the curriculum, campus culture, and the overall student experience, fostering a focus on critical thinking, personal development, and community engagement.

  • How do the athletic programs compare at Seattle University and Gonzaga University?

    Gonzaga University has a nationally recognized Division I athletic program, particularly in men's basketball, which generates significant school spirit and national attention. Seattle University also has Division I athletic programs, though they are generally less prominent than Gonzaga's. Both universities offer opportunities for students to participate in intramural sports and recreational activities.

  • What are the admission requirements like for Seattle University and Gonzaga University?

    Admission requirements for both Seattle University and Gonzaga University are generally similar, including submission of high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Both universities consider a holistic review of applicants, taking into account academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Prospective students should check the specific requirements on each university's website.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Azusa Pacific University Azusa Pacific University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs University of La Verne University of La Verne
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Loyola Marymount University Loyola Marymount University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Pacific Union College Pacific Union College
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs University of the Pacific University of the Pacific
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs University of San Francisco University of San Francisco
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Saint Mary's College of California Saint Mary's College of California
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Regis University Regis University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Georgetown University Georgetown University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs The University of Tampa The University of Tampa
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Emory University Emory University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Brigham Young University-Idaho Brigham Young University-Idaho
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Bradley University Bradley University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Northwestern University Northwestern University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Butler University Butler University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs University of Notre Dame University of Notre Dame
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Valparaiso University Valparaiso University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Drake University Drake University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Loyola University New Orleans Loyola University New Orleans
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Loyola University Maryland Loyola University Maryland
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Boston College Boston College
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Harvard University Harvard University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs University of St Thomas University of St Thomas
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs St Catherine University St Catherine University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Creighton University Creighton University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Dartmouth College Dartmouth College
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Cornell University Cornell University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Duke University Duke University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Elon University Elon University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs High Point University High Point University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Wake Forest University Wake Forest University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs George Fox University George Fox University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs University of Portland University of Portland
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Willamette University Willamette University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Duquesne University Duquesne University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Saint Joseph's University Saint Joseph's University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Villanova University Villanova University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Brown University Brown University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Belmont University Belmont University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Abilene Christian University Abilene Christian University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs St. Mary's University St. Mary's University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Westminster College Westminster College
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Radford University Radford University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Stanford University Stanford University
Gonzaga University Gonzaga vs Linfield University-School of Nursing Linfield University-School of Nursing
Seattle University Seattle U vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
Seattle University Seattle U vs University of La Verne University of La Verne
Seattle University Seattle U vs Loyola Marymount University Loyola Marymount University
Seattle University Seattle U vs University of San Diego University of San Diego
Seattle University Seattle U vs University of San Francisco University of San Francisco
Seattle University Seattle U vs Saint Mary's College of California Saint Mary's College of California
Seattle University Seattle U vs Georgetown University Georgetown University
Seattle University Seattle U vs The University of Tampa The University of Tampa
Seattle University Seattle U vs Emory University Emory University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Mercer University Mercer University
Seattle University Seattle U vs DePaul University DePaul University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Northwestern University Northwestern University
Seattle University Seattle U vs University of Notre Dame University of Notre Dame
Seattle University Seattle U vs Valparaiso University Valparaiso University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Loyola University New Orleans Loyola University New Orleans
Seattle University Seattle U vs Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Boston College Boston College
Seattle University Seattle U vs Harvard University Harvard University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Seattle University Seattle U vs St Catherine University St Catherine University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Creighton University Creighton University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Duke University Duke University
Seattle University Seattle U vs University of Portland University of Portland
Seattle University Seattle U vs Saint Joseph's University Saint Joseph's University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Villanova University Villanova University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Widener University Widener University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Abilene Christian University Abilene Christian University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Rice University Rice University
Seattle University Seattle U vs University of St Thomas University of St Thomas
Seattle University Seattle U vs St. Mary's University St. Mary's University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Westminster College Westminster College
Seattle University Seattle U vs Radford University Radford University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Gonzaga University Gonzaga University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Saint Martin's University Saint Martin's University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Seattle Pacific University Seattle Pacific University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Marquette University Marquette University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Stanford University Stanford University
Seattle University Seattle U vs Antioch University-Seattle Antioch University-Seattle
Seattle University Seattle U vs Linfield University-School of Nursing Linfield University-School of Nursing