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
Earnings Distribution
How Gonzaga University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University | $54,540 | $72,747 | +33% |
| New York University | $77,828 | $115,546 | +48% |
| Wake Forest University | $76,722 | $91,708 | +20% |
| Seattle Pacific University | $56,283 | $79,563 | +41% |
| Walla Walla University | $43,155 | $43,839 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $53,500 | $54,540 | $72,747 | $23,250 | 0.43 | |
| $38,814 | $56,283 | $79,563 | $22,000 | 0.39 | |
| $33,027 | $43,155 | $43,839 | $27,000 | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.