Gonzaga University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re a parent looking at Gonzaga University, you’ve probably heard about the price tag. But don’t worry—there are real ways families cut that number down through scholarships, grants, and merit awards. This page walks you through the costs, the scholarships Gonzaga automatically awards, and the hidden opportunities that can make a big difference. And if you’re from Washington, don’t miss our Washington state aid guide for even more options.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Gonzaga University
| Expense | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 credits, all undergraduates) | $56,140 |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,110 |
| Housing (average on-campus) | $8,620 |
| Meal Plan (average) | $8,010 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,154 |
| Transportation | $2,790 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,908 |
| Total (on-campus) | $79,798 |
FAQ
Who qualifies for tuition discounts?
All students pay the same tuition rate, but dependents of faculty/staff at partner schools may qualify for Tuition Exchange or FACHEX.
How much could this save?
Tuition Exchange and FACHEX often cover a large portion of tuition—sometimes close to full tuition depending on the program’s award policy.
Is it automatic or do I need to apply?
These programs require a separate application through your parent’s employer and Gonzaga’s financial aid office. They are not automatic.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Gonzaga awards most merit scholarships automatically through the admission review. No separate application is needed unless noted.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year Merit Scholarship | $19,500–$30,000/year (guaranteed 4 years) | Automatic with admission; holistic review of grades, course rigor, activities, essays; test scores optional. | No | Yes—maintain full-time enrollment and good academic standing per catalog; Gonzaga Guarantee says GU-funded aid won’t decrease if you stay in good standing. | Strong academics and rigor tend to land higher in the range; competitive majors (e.g., Nursing) are reviewed closely. |
| Transfer Merit Scholarship | $14,500–$27,000/year | Automatic with transfer admission; amount considers college GPA and credits (31–59 cr. usually up to 6 semesters; 60+ cr. usually up to 4 semesters). | No | Yes—while full-time and in good standing, for the stated number of semesters. | Higher transfer GPAs and solid progress toward a major typically receive larger awards. |
| Alumni Association Scholarship | $2,500/year | Child, grandchild, or sibling of a Gonzaga alum; full-time undergraduate. | No (considered during admission/aid review) | Typically yes—while full-time and in good standing. | Legacy students with solid academics; often stacks with merit. |
| Dauna Leigh Bauer Scholarship | $2,000/year | High academic achievement and involvement; demonstrated financial need (FAFSA/WASFA or Needs Analysis Form). | No (considered via admission/aid data) | Yes—good standing required. | Students with strong records plus documented need. |
| Daniel G. Brajcich Scholarship (Business/Accounting) | $2,500/year | Intended Business or Accounting majors; awarded during admission/aid review. | No | Yes—while meeting major/academic expectations. | Business/Accounting-bound students with strong coursework and grades. |
Note on ranges: Gonzaga publishes ranges rather than fixed GPA/test cutoffs; higher awards generally reflect stronger GPA, rigorous coursework, and overall application strength.
FAQ
Is merit automatic?
Yes. Gonzaga’s main academic merit scholarships are awarded automatically based on your admission application; no separate form is required. (See “Scholarship Opportunities” page.)
Are test scores required—and do they superscore?
Gonzaga is test-optional. If you submit scores, Gonzaga superscores both the ACT and SAT (they recalculate using your highest section scores across dates). Lower subscores from other dates are not considered. See the Test-Optional FAQs for details.
Can merit stack with other Gonzaga awards?
Generally, yes—merit often stacks with GU grants and many department/identity awards. Gonzaga’s Guarantee states GU-funded scholarships/grants won’t decrease if you remain in good academic standing. Some departmental or special programs may have their own caps—check your award letter.
Do priority dates matter for merit?
Priority consideration goes to students who apply by Early Action (Nov 15). Regular Decision applicants (Feb 1) are still considered, but some programs (e.g., Nursing) require EA.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive, university-level)
These are Gonzaga’s most selective, competitive flagship awards for undergraduates—high-impact packages beyond standard automatic merit.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga Access Pledge (GAP) | Full tuition (4 years) | First-year students with a permanent Washington address who demonstrate high financial need; must be admitted to Gonzaga and submit FAFSA/WASFA by priority timelines. | No separate scholarship app (FAFSA/WASFA required) | Yes—up to 8 semesters while full-time and meeting aid/academic eligibility | High-need Washington residents admitted as first-years; often Pell-eligible; strong overall application. |
| Unity Scholars | Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meal plan) for 4 years | First-year Washington residents with demonstrated commitment to social justice/leadership; must apply to Gonzaga and meet admission requirements; separate Unity Scholars application and interview. | Yes—Unity Scholars application (priority by Jan 5) + interview; FAFSA/WASFA also required | Yes—4 years while full-time, in good standing, and fulfilling program commitments (cohort, coursework, mentorship) | Washington students with leadership/service and a clear social-justice record; typically strong academics and engagement. |
Deadlines to watch: Early Action (Nov 15) for priority consideration; Final admit deadline (Feb 1); Unity Scholars app due Jan 5; submit FAFSA/WASFA as soon as available.
FAQ (flagship = competitive)
Are these different from automatic merit?
Yes. GAP and Unity are highly competitive, cohort/commitment-based packages that sit above standard automatic merit and require specific eligibility (Washington residency, high need, social-justice focus, etc.).
Do I need test scores—and does Gonzaga superscore?
Gonzaga is test-optional. If you submit scores, Gonzaga does superscore the SAT and ACT, which can help in holistic review.
Can these stack with other scholarships?
Awards are coordinated within your total financial aid package. Some institutional funds may be adjusted to meet tuition/COA. Check your official award letter for how outside scholarships interact with GAP/Unity.
⭐ What Gonzaga Is Known For
If your student chooses Gonzaga, they’ll join a university that blends academic rigor with Jesuit values of service, leadership, and ethics. While not an R1 research university, Gonzaga is nationally recognized for excellence in engineering, business, and professional preparation—programs that open doors to strong career pipelines and graduate opportunities.
The School of Engineering & Applied Science is Gonzaga’s flagship strength. U.S. News ranks it #21 among Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (non-doctorate) and #13 in Civil Engineering.
- Business & Accounting: U.S. News ranks Gonzaga’s Finance program #20, Accounting #26, and Entrepreneurship #29 nationally.
- Law: Gonzaga School of Law is consistently ranked among the Top 100 law schools, with strong ties to regional practice and public service.
- Nursing & Health Sciences: Recognized for its Nursing graduate programs (including online MSN and DNP) and support for veterans pursuing healthcare careers.
- Innovation & Undergraduate Teaching: Named among the nation’s “Most Innovative National Universities” in 2026 and cited for excellence in undergraduate teaching and service learning.
🎖️ Honors Program at Gonzaga
Gonzaga offers an Honors Program that brings together a small community of curious, motivated students. It’s designed for those who want deeper discussions, challenging coursework, and close faculty mentorship—all while staying on track to graduate in four years.
High school GPA of 3.7+ (unweighted), strong writing skills, and a track record of leadership or service. Test scores are optional but competitive students often score in the upper 20s ACT or 1300+ SAT if submitted.
- Priority class registration
- Small, discussion-based seminars
- Faculty mentorship and research opportunities
- Optional Honors housing community
- Capstone project or thesis with close guidance
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Program Scholarship | $1,800/year (up to 4 years); stacks with merit/need-based aid | Incoming first-year students admitted to the Gonzaga Honors Program; full-time enrollment required | Yes — separate Honors application (essay-based); typical priority around Jan 5 | Yes — up to 8 semesters while remaining in good standing with Honors | Students admitted to Honors with strong academics, writing, and leadership/service |
- Honors Excess-Credit Waiver (continuing benefit): Honors students may take credits over 18 per semester without the typical excess-credit fee while in good standing.
- Honors Advising & Mentorship (continuing benefit): Dedicated Honors advising and faculty mentorship each year.
- Honors Living–Learning Community (continuing benefit): Access to Honors housing/community options beyond the first year.
FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must submit a separate Honors application (essay-based) after being admitted to Gonzaga.
Does Honors add time to graduation?
No. The program is designed to integrate with your degree and still finish in four years.
What’s the deadline to apply?
The priority deadline is typically January 5. Students admitted Early Action (Nov 15) get first consideration.
Do Honors students get extra scholarship money?
Gonzaga does not advertise a distinct Honors scholarship separate from automatic merit or flagship awards. The benefit is primarily academic enrichment, housing, and mentorship.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Gonzaga can feel overwhelming at first glance with its price tag, but once you understand the layers of automatic merit, flagship scholarships like GAP and Unity, and hidden gems such as alumni and ROTC awards, the picture becomes clearer. Families who plan early—especially Washington residents—can often cut tens of thousands off the sticker price. And even for out-of-state students, Gonzaga’s mix of merit and mission-driven support makes it a strong value for those who want both rigorous academics and a Jesuit tradition of service.
✅ Last updated: September 23, 2025