Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University

(Gonzaga)

Spokane, WAPrivateComprehensiveNCAA D1Admissions

Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit university in Spokane, Washington, widely known for its nationally competitive basketball program and tight-knit campus community. Gonzaga offers strong programs in business, nursing, and engineering within a values-driven liberal arts framework. The university's small size fosters close faculty-student relationships and a collaborative learning environment.

Mascot: Bulldog

Notable Alumni

Bing Crosby (legendary singer and actor)Domantas Sabonis (NBA All-Star)Chet Holmgren (NBA No. 2 overall draft pick)

At a Glance

Acceptance Rate
76%
SAT (Optional)
1280–1410
Avg GPA
3.73
Enrollment
5.4K
Setting
Urban
Founded
1887

Cost

Tuition$55K
Room & Board$17K
Est. Annual Total$72K

Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.

Top Programs & National Ranking

Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.

Highlights

Jesuit education tradition
Strong sense of community
March Madness basketball

Athletics

Division
NCAA Division 1
Conference
West Coast Conference
View on NCAA.com

Campus Experience

Social Life
Moderate
Academic Pressure
Moderate
Greek Life
Minimal
Campus Beauty
Attractive

Gonzaga has no official Greek life — the university explicitly chose not to support it, and many students say that's exactly why they enrolled. Basketball is the social heartbeat: the Kennel Club student section is legendary, and game days transform the small Spokane campus into a genuinely electric atmosphere. The Jesuit identity creates a tight-knit, service-oriented community.

Compact campus along the Spokane River with a charming mix of Collegiate Gothic and modern buildings, anchored by the twin spires of St. Aloysius Church, though the surrounding neighborhood is modest.

Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.

Safety

Campus SafetySafe

Gonzaga enjoys a low incidence of serious crime on campus, with property crimes like bike theft being the most common. Campus Security provides 24/7 patrols.

Neighborhood SafetyModerate

The Logan neighborhood surrounding campus has a higher crime rate than campus itself. It requires common-sense caution, especially at night.

Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.

Plan Your Visit

Guided Tour

Schedule: Mon-Fri daily, select Saturdays during academic year

Duration: ~90 minutes (info session + student-led campus tour)

Contact visit@gonzaga.edu or (509) 313-6531 for questions. Preview Days in spring (Feb-Apr) run 9am-2:30pm in Hemmingson Center Grand Ballroom. Gonzaga Experience Live (GEL) accepted student day in April.

Book a Tour
Self-Guided Tour

Self-guided virtual tour available at gonzaga.edu/virtualtour. Campus is compact and walkable for informal self-guided visits.

Tour Resources
Insider Tips
Visit the Jundt Art Museum overlooking Lake Arthur — it's free, showcases both student and professional art, and the lakeside setting is one of the most serene spots on campus
Walk the Spokane Centennial Trail, which runs along the south border of campus — this 40-mile recreation trail along the Spokane River is stunning, and the campus segment is perfect for a quick jog or stroll
Stop at Global Neighborhood Thrift right next to campus — this sustainable thrift store supports Spokane's refugee community and is beloved by students for incredible finds
Grab a bagel at Hidden Bagel (local favorite) or coffee at Arctos Coffee Roasters in the University District just east of campus — they roast on site and it's where students actually study
Visit during basketball season to experience the Kennel (McCarthey Athletic Center) — Gonzaga's 6,000-seat arena routinely sells out and the atmosphere is electric
Best Time to Visit

September through October for beautiful Pacific Northwest fall weather, or March through April for spring visits. Basketball season (November-March) electrifies campus. Avoid mid-December through mid-January (break) and deep winter when Spokane can be grey and cold.

Getting There

Free visitor parking in marked spots on floors 1 and 3 of the BARC Parking Garage (Boone Ave and Hamilton St). Get a visitor pass from the Admissions Visit Office or Parking Office (503 E. Sharp). From Spokane Airport (GEG): 15 min drive — I-90 East to Exit 282 (Hamilton St), north on Hamilton, left on Boone Ave, BARC garage on left. Uber/Lyft available.

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