Head-to-head · 14 cross-admits
When applicants got into both, 64% chose GU. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 14 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.
Choice, not ranking
These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.
Cross-admit decision
Median scholarship (chose GU)
Median scholarship (chose Seattle)
View all-time (37 cross-admits)
Admissions
Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield 2025 ABA 509Financial
Sticker price, scholarships, and debt burden 2025 ABA 509Employment & outcomes
Post-graduation placement and bar passage 2024 ABA EmploymentCross-admit by cycle
How preferences shifted over recent cyclesOverview
About GU vs Seattle
Across 14 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 64% enrolled at Gonzaga University and 36% at Seattle University.
These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.
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Detailed comparison narrative
This page compares Gonzaga University and Seattle University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.
In the U.S. News rankings, Seattle University is ranked #128 compared to #144 — a gap of 16 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.
There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Seattle University has a median LSAT of 159 compared to 155, a gap of 4 points. This suggests applicants to Seattle University face a more competitive admissions pool.
Both schools are located in Washington — Gonzaga University in Spokane and Seattle University in Seattle — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.
On cost, Seattle University has lower tuition at - per year compared to $57,962. Combined with employment rates of 77.7% (GU) and 87.9% (Seattle), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.