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Gonzaga University — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · Spokane, WA · 5,198 students

The verdict

Gonzaga University charges a net price of $35,119/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $140,476. Graduates earn a median $78,892 ten years after entry, $30,532/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 4.6 years — a 20-year net return of $470,164, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Gonzaga University's 4.6-year payback ranks #370 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 71% of them, and #8 of 64 in Washington.

Better ROI than 71% of US colleges#370 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$35,119
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$78,892
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
4.6 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
82%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
Gonzaga University: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$35,119/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$140,476our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$78,892Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$30,532/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$24,454Scorecard, 2026
Payback4.6 yrsour math
20-year net return$470,164our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

Gonzaga University: frequently asked questions

Is Gonzaga University worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. Gonzaga University charges $35,119/yr after aid ($140,476 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $78,892 ten years out — $30,532/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 4.6 years and returns $470,164 net over 20 years, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast.
How long does a Gonzaga University degree take to pay off?
About 4.6 years. We divide the $140,476 four-year net cost by the $30,532/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does Gonzaga University cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $35,119/yr — about $140,476 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does Gonzaga University compare to other Washington colleges?
It ranks #8 of 64 Washington colleges we track by payback. Its $78,892 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $35,119 net price is above the national median of $16,906.