Gonzaga University vs. Seattle University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Washington law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Seattle University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 159 vs 155); Gonzaga University posts the higher first-time bar passage (79.74% vs 78.74%); Gonzaga University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($57,962 vs $59,769); Seattle University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (82.8% vs 81.8%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricGonzaga UniversitySeattle UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT155159Seattle University
Median undergraduate GPA3.553.60Seattle University
Acceptance rate51.1%38.9%Seattle University
Cost
Resident tuition$57,962$59,769Gonzaga University
Non-resident tuition$57,962$59,769Gonzaga University
Median grant$32,000$30,000Gonzaga University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage79.74%78.74%Gonzaga University
Two-year ultimate bar passage92.74%89.64%Gonzaga University
Bar passage vs. state average-1.6 pts-3.5 ptsGonzaga University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment81.8%82.8%Seattle University
Large-firm (250+) employment2.5%4.9%Seattle University
Federal clerkships1%0%Gonzaga University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 78.79% in 2011 to 79.74% in 202560%70%80%90%100%111315182022242579.74%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Gonzaga University — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 77.7% in 2011 to 78.74% in 202565%70%75%80%85%111315182022242578.74%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Seattle University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $34,105 in 2011 to $57,962 in 2025$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,0001113151719212325$57,962
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Gonzaga University — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $39,282 in 2011 to $59,769 in 2025$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$59,769
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Seattle University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

FAQ

Is Gonzaga University or Seattle University harder to get into?

Seattle University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 159 against Gonzaga University's 155.

Which is cheaper, Gonzaga University or Seattle University?

Gonzaga University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $57,962 versus Seattle University's $59,769.

Which has better bar passage, Gonzaga University or Seattle University?

Gonzaga University has the higher first-time bar passage, 79.74% against Seattle University's 78.74%.

Which has better job outcomes, Gonzaga University or Seattle University?

Seattle University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (82.8% vs 81.8%).

Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.

Exhibit 509 by 509αNewsletterTermsPrivacyAccessibilitySitemap● Sourced from ABA Standard 509 · Last synced June 26, 2026