We will continue to review applications holistically, as described below. Students applying without a test have access to everything available to test-takers: admission, automatic merit scholarships, direct admission to nursing, the Honors Program, and other Gonzaga scholarships.
Review our Test-Optional FAQ for additional information.
As an applicant for admission, you are expected to graduate from an accredited high school with a college preparatory curriculum while showing evidence of ability to complete the University's requirements for graduation.
The following pattern of coursework is recommended for admission to Gonzaga:
| English | 4 years |
| Mathematics | 3-4 years (including algebra I, geometry, algebra II / trigonometry) |
| History / Social Studies | 3 years |
| Foreign Language | 2-3 years of a single language, including American Sign Language |
| Science | 3-4 years (natural or physical laboratory science) |
Course rigor is a key component in determining admissibility and merit awards. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves with a curriculum they can manage, including AP, IB, and honors courses (if offered by the high school). Students are also encouraged to take 4 to 5 academic courses in senior year.
Gonzaga's Office of Admission reviews each application thoroughly. Although we have no set minimum GPA/test score requirements and we are "test-optional", please consider guidelines below. Any prospective student may have an admission interview, but they are highly encouraged if a student has any one of the following:
- An unweighted GPA at or below 3.2
- An academic or disciplinary history that requires more description than the application allows
- An SAT combined score for Evidence Based Reading and Writing and Math at or below 1150
- An ACT composite score at or below 23
Interviews may be done in person as part of a campus visit, virtually, or possibly where you live. Please contact your Admission Counselor to discern the best option.
Gonzaga's mid-50% ranges*:
- GPA - 3.56-3.92
- SAT - 1265-1410
- ACT - 28-32
*The mid-50% range shows that half of our first-year class had between those ranges, and 25% had above the top number, and 25% had below the bottom number.
The Office of Admission carefully considers the following items as part of the application to Gonzaga University:
- Curriculum and school
- Grade point average and grade trends
- College essay and supplemental question response
- Activities and honors
- Character
- SAT or ACT scores (if submitted; Gonzaga University is “test optional".)
*Learn about admission process, English proficiency requirements, and test score policies for international students here.
*Consideration of Disciplinary and Criminal Conviction in Gonzaga University Admission: Gonzaga University considers the factors listed above when reviewing undergraduate applications for admission. Gonzaga University does ask whether an applicant has a school disciplinary record or criminal history. An applicant will not automatically or unreasonably be denied admission due to criminal history or disciplinary action. However, additional information may be requested to provide greater context to the nature and timing of violations prior to an admission decision being made.
Our Evaluation Process
Nursing Requirements
Gonzaga's Nursing program is considered “direct admission". Students must apply to Gonzaga Early Action (Nov. 15) and declare nursing as their major on the Common Application to be considered for the nursing program.
Gonzaga's Nursing Program accepts first-year applications only. Applicants must apply by our Early Action deadline of Nov. 15 and choose "Nursing" on their application to be considered. Nursing applications that are received after Nov. 15 will be considered for the nursing waitlist. Admission to nursing is competitive and the Admission Committee will review curriculum carefully and likes to see math and science in the senior year of high school. An understanding of the nursing profession is helpful.
Students are not permitted to change their major to nursing after enrolling at the University. The Nursing Program is a four-year program. If a student has received college credit or earned an AA degree through the Running Start program, credits will likely transfer, but the program remains an 8 – 9 semester degree. Enrolling with college credits may provide students with the opportunity to add a minor or study abroad, but will not allow for early entry into nursing courses.
Additional Admission Policies
Home-schooled students represent a unique and important population in Gonzaga University's applicant pool. Students and families choose home-schooling for a variety of reasons and implement a variety of instructional methods. Therefore, an application from a home-schooled student receives highly individualized attention.
As a home-schooled student we ask that you answer all home-school questions on the Common Application School Report. Additionally, we require home-schooled students with less than 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits (at the time of applying) to submit an SAT or ACT.
The Admission Committee will consider all submitted materials and encourages applicants to arrange an admission interview, if possible. Please contact the Office of Admission with questions.
Active duty service members need to receive approval from an Educational Services Officer (ESO), military counselor, or the Military Service prior to enrolling.
Veterans must apply and be accepted at Gonzaga University (Apply to Gonzaga) and apply for GI Bill benefits.
We also recommend you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to maximize your eligibility for financial aid. Start your FAFSA today at the Department of Education's website studentaid.gov.
Gonzaga University admission is “test optional”, meaning it is not required to submit an SAT or ACT score. There are two important notes on this policy:
- Homeschooled students with less than 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits must submit an SAT or ACT.
- International students are required to submit a test score to demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, iTEP, SAT, or ACT.
When submitting scores, Gonzaga would like students to provide all results from every administration of the SAT and/or ACT taken. Gonzaga will combine students' best individual section scores from separate exams. The optional essay is not required for either test. Students applying without a test have access to everything available to test-takers: admission, automatic merit scholarships, direct admission to nursing and engineering, the Honors Program, and other Gonzaga scholarships. Please review our Test Optional FAQs page for additional information. If you have further questions about our SAT and/or ACT Policy, please reach out to your admission counselor
The incoming class of 2021 had an average ACT mid-50% score of 28-32 and an SAT mid-50% score of 1280-1400.