Accounting at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga's accounting graduates command strong national earnings at nearly $70,000 in their first year, placing them well above the typical accounting grad nationwide. However, within Washington State, where accounting programs generally pay well, Gonzaga lands solidly in the middle of the pack—trailing Seattle University's grads by about $1,000 but matching or exceeding the University of Washington system's outcomes.

The debt picture is reasonable: at $24,250, it's slightly below the national norm and creates a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio. Combined with steady 15% earnings growth over four years, graduates should be able to handle their loans comfortably while building accounting careers. The moderate sample size means these figures reflect a decent number of graduates, though year-to-year variation is possible.

For parents, the key question is whether Gonzaga's price tag justifies middle-tier Washington outcomes when Seattle University delivers slightly better results and UW campuses offer comparable earnings potentially at lower in-state tuition. If your child values Gonzaga's Jesuit education and campus experience, the financial outcomes won't derail their accounting career—but if you're purely optimizing for accounting ROI, Washington offers strong public alternatives. Either way, this program clears the bar for solid employment prospects in a stable profession.