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Head-to-head comparison

Gonzaga University vs DigiPen Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Spokane WA · vs · Private for-profit, Redmond WA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University

Net price / year
$35,119
Earnings, 10 years
$78,892
Payback
4.6 yrs

Option B Redmond, WA

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Net price / year
$44,446
Earnings, 10 years
$79,878
Payback
5.6 yrs
The verdict

Gonzaga University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $140,476 in 4.6 years versus 5.6 years at DigiPen Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $78,892 vs $79,878 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGonzaga UniversityDigiPen Institute of Technology
Net price / yr$35,119$44,446
Total net cost$140,476$177,784
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,892$79,878
Median debt$24,454$27,000
Payback4.6 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$470,164$452,576

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Gonzaga University or DigiPen Institute of Technology?

Gonzaga University, at $35,119 a year after aid versus $44,446 — a gap of $9,327 a year, or $37,308 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Gonzaga University or DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn more?

DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates report a median $79,878 ten years after entry, $986 more than the $78,892 at Gonzaga University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Gonzaga University or DigiPen Institute of Technology?

Gonzaga University: its completers carry a median $24,454 in federal loans versus $27,000 at DigiPen Institute of Technology, a difference of $2,546. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

86% of students finish at Gonzaga University, against 61% at DigiPen Institute of Technology. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Gonzaga University vs DigiPen Institute of Technology: frequently asked questions

Is Gonzaga University or DigiPen Institute of Technology a better value?
Gonzaga University. It clears its $140,476 net cost in about 4.6 years versus 5.6 years at DigiPen Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $78,892 vs $79,878 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Gonzaga University or DigiPen Institute of Technology?
Gonzaga University: $35,119/yr net price after aid versus $44,446/yr at DigiPen Institute of Technology — a difference of $9,327 a year, or about $37,308 over four years.
Do Gonzaga University or DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn a median $79,878 ten years after entry, versus $78,892 at Gonzaga University — a $986 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.