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Head-to-head · 16 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 56% chose GU. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 16 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.

16
cross-admits
2
cycles
+20pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 16 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Gonzaga University logo Chose GU
56%
Chose Seattle Seattle University logo
44%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$32,000
98.0% get a grant
$25,962 net tuition
$30,000
87.0% get a grant

Cross-admits who enrolled · self-reported, 3-yr award

$108,000
n = 9
$45,000
n = 7
View all-time (39 cross-admits)
46% chose GU 54% chose Seattle

Trend · GU's share

2009–2025

Lowest cycle

40%

Highest cycle

60%
2 cycles
100 50 0 09 25 2009: 40% 2025: 60%
GU #110 · Seattle #123 LSD n≈5/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Gonzaga University logo
GU
Spokane, Washington
Seattle University logo
Seattle
Seattle, Washington
USN Rank
#144
#128
LSD Rank
75+ (0.002)
75+ (0.001)
LSAT 25th
153
155
LSAT Median
155
159
LSAT 75th
158
162
GPA Median
3.55
3.60
Acceptance Rate
51.1%
38.9%
Class Size
203
209
Yield Rate
30.9%
23.3%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Gonzaga University logo
GU
Spokane, Washington
Seattle University logo
Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Tuition (In-State)
$57,962
-
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$57,962
-
Median Grant
$32,000
$30,000
% Receiving Grants
98.0%
87.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
Gonzaga University logo
GU
Spokane, Washington
Seattle University logo
Seattle
Seattle, Washington
BigLaw (501+)
2.5%
5.4%
Federal Clerkships
1.0%
0.0%
State & Local Clerkships
6.6%
5.4%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
82.8%
86.8%
Bar Pass Rate
79.7%
78.7%

Overview

About GU vs Seattle

Across 16 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 56% enrolled at Gonzaga University and 44% at Seattle University. The split has shifted +20 points across the tracked cycles.

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.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

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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 82.8% (GU) and 86.8% (Seattle), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants who enrolled, those choosing Gonzaga University reported a higher median scholarship — $108,000 versus $45,000 over three years — though aid is one of several factors behind the enrollment decision.