Business/Commerce at Gonzaga University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Gonzaga's business program offers a compelling value story for Washington families: graduates start at $54,540—already above the national median—and see strong momentum over their first four years, reaching nearly $73,000. That 33% earnings growth suggests the program opens doors to careers with real advancement potential, not just entry-level positions.
The debt picture reinforces this value. At $23,250, graduates carry less than half their first-year earnings in student loans, a manageable starting point that won't derail other financial goals. While this program sits at the 70th percentile nationally for debt (meaning 30% of business programs leave students with less), it matches the Washington state median exactly. Among the seven Washington schools offering business degrees, Gonzaga lands squarely in the middle for both earnings and debt—performing comparably to Seattle Pacific but without a premium price tag in terms of student loans.
For families weighing in-state options, Gonzaga delivers what matters most: graduates earn well from day one and the trajectory points upward. The 76% admission rate means this opportunity is accessible to strong students without requiring Ivy League credentials. With robust data backing these numbers, parents can feel confident this program provides a solid foundation for business careers in the Pacific Northwest.
Where Gonzaga University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Gonzaga University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Gonzaga University graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University | $54,540 | $72,747 | $23,250 | 0.43 |
| Seattle Pacific University | $56,283 | $79,563 | $22,000 | 0.39 |
| Walla Walla University | $43,155 | $43,839 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Pacific University Seattle | $38,814 | $56,283 | $22,000 |
| Walla Walla University College Place | $33,027 | $43,155 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Gonzaga University, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 293 graduates with reported earnings and 296 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.