Gonzaga University

I feel some comments in here are extremely negative about Gonzaga. As a senior about to graduate (who also looked extensively at other schools) let me share my thoughts. Sorry this may be long but you are spending lots of time/money/ect at college so its worth the read.

Student body is generally solid although not very racially diverse. The school may be "white" but not as bad as most small private Christian schools you may attend. That being said, students do come from all over the place. It makes it cool because less than half the school is from Washington so you have a good geographic mix. Also, while it is a catholic school it is pretty open and nobody trys to force anything down your throat. I am not catholic and never in my 4 years had a student/faculty/administrator try to "covert" me to Catholicism or look down on me for not being catholic or anything like that.

Academically, GU continues to strive which I like. If you visit their website, they brag about all the academic rankings of the school. Not saying it is good or bad, but when I talk to random people and I tell them I go to Gonzaga they usually compliment me saying that it is a good school. I think they are trying hard to be the "Notre Dame of the West" and maybe in 10-15 years they can reach that. Class sizes are small, there are no T.A.'s that teach you, and I do feel like most faculty genuinely cares about your progress/goals. But I can only speak from the Business School. I have heard from Arts and Science students that the faculty is not so warm hearted about these things.

Night Life/Social Scene. There is no greek system so you do not have the massive partys that may occur at UW or WSU. However, GU does have good parties and if you are someone who likes to go out and drink/party you can fit in at GU. If not, that honestly can work too. The bar scene near Gonzaga and the house partys are always fun. I see many people on here criticizing Spokane. But Spokane is a decent sized city with everything you could want here, and the school is located right in the middle of it. I do hate the winters though, but i grew up in western washington where snow is more scarce.

The campus is very nice and always upgrading. The budget problems that exist at most state schools are not hitting here as hard, so you can expect quality facilities. Almost every one gets involved in intramurals, and there is great school pride not only for the basketball team but for most of the sports teams. The dorms are not great and the food isnt either. But new dorms are being built right now, so try and get into those if you can.

Overall, I did like my experience here.

4th Year Male -- Class 2009

Faculty Accessibility: A, Perceived Campus Safety: C

Double majored in psych and bio - graduated in '85. GU prepared me well for life. Classes were smaller than at many universities and faculty were interested in helping students grow/achieve. Spokane took a while for me to get used to but eventually the town grew on me too. I received a rich academic preparation for my career path but also gained lifelong friendships. I appreciated that the university wasn't just about academics but also had an emphasis on spirituality, ethics, integrity, and community service. I am a supportive alumni and honestly have never regretted my choice to attend Gonzaga. It is a special place.

4th Year Female -- Class 1985

Education Quality: A, Collaboration/Competitive: B

Gonzaga is like a giant Catholic high school, but better because it's college! Professors actually teach the classes and they care about their students. Class sizes are small (15-40 people) and kids get to know each other well. It is easy to make friends here because everyone is really outgoing and have similar interests (outdoors, politics, clubs, basketball!). A lot of people here are religious, but many are apathetic or just "spiritual." Nothing is shoved down your throat here. To be frank, Spokane sucks, but there is still a lot to do here. Skiing and snowboarding is big in the winter and there are plenty of bars around for 21+ students. Parties are fun and no one is excluded. If you like to party, you will have a good time. Very intimate, active, warm, friendly school. I am glad I came here.

1st Year Female -- Class 2011

Friendliness: A+, Surrounding City: C