Gonzaga University vs Pacific Lutheran University: which has better ROI?
Pacific Lutheran University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,356 in 4.2 years versus 4.6 years at Gonzaga University, on median earnings of $66,990 vs $78,892 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Gonzaga University | Pacific Lutheran University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $35,119 | $19,589 |
| Total net cost | $140,476 | $78,356 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $78,892 | $66,990 |
| Median debt | $24,454 | $22,578 |
| Payback | 4.6 yrs | 4.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $470,164 | $294,244 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Gonzaga University or Pacific Lutheran University?
Pacific Lutheran University, at $19,589 a year after aid versus $35,119 — a gap of $15,530 a year, or $62,120 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Gonzaga University or Pacific Lutheran University graduates earn more?
Gonzaga University graduates report a median $78,892 ten years after entry, $11,902 more than the $66,990 at Pacific Lutheran University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Gonzaga University or Pacific Lutheran University?
Pacific Lutheran University: its completers carry a median $22,578 in federal loans versus $24,454 at Gonzaga University, a difference of $1,876. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
86% of students finish at Gonzaga University, against 69% at Pacific Lutheran University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.