Skip Navigation

ZagOn: Gonzaga's COVID-19 Response

Information on booster and testing requirements for the start of the Spring semester. Plus FAQs, dashboard, and more. Visit gonzaga.edu/ZagOn

  • University Navigation University Navigation
  • Search Button
Search Button
s
Close Menu

Gonzaga Home

  • About
  • Academics
  • Admission
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • myGU

College & Schools

  • Online Graduate Programs
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Business Administration
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering & Applied Science
  • School of Law
  • School of Leadership Studies
  • School of Nursing & Human Physiology

Info For

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Military & Veterans
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Our Community
  • Basketball Fans
Visit
Apply
Give
Close Menu
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University
  • Search Button
  • Toggle Menu
News, Events & Stories Menu
  • News
  • Events
  • Stories
  • Publications
  • Galleries
News

News

Close Menu
Events

Events

Close Menu
Stories

Stories

Close Menu
Publications

Publications

Close Menu
Galleries

Galleries

Close Menu
  • Home
  • News, Events & Stories
  • Stories
  • Gonzagas Freshman Class Most Diverse Ever among Most Outstanding Academically

Freshman Class Most Diverse, among Most Outstanding Academically


September 10, 2012

By Peter Tormey

SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University’s new freshman class brings one of the strongest academic profiles of any entering class in University history and is the most racially diverse ever with students of color representing 22.6 percent — nearly 1 in 4 — of the estimated 1,099 in the Class of 2016. Fall undergraduate classes at Gonzaga began Aug. 28.

Based on preliminary and unofficial estimates, Gonzaga’s Class of 2016 has a 3.71 grade-point average and test scores of 27 (average ACT composite) and 1,193 (average SAT composite). Gonzaga has worked intentionally to moderate enrollment since the 1,240 students in the Class of 2013 entered three years ago, becoming the largest in school history. Gonzaga has reached its freshmen enrollment targets the last three years (1,120 freshmen in 2011 and 1,119 in 2010).

“This class is phenomenal,” said Gonzaga’s Dean of Admission Julie McCulloh. “The students’ applications show great involvement in service, leadership, music and athletics as well as outdoor activities. Academically, the profile is as strong as the last four years, which have been Gonzaga’s highest overall academic profiles. It is the most ethnically and racially diverse class Gonzaga has enrolled, becoming more reflective of the western region Gonzaga serves.”

Intellectual and cultural diversity are intrinsic to Jesuit education, and Gonzaga has intentionally diversified the student body to better represent the world. Gonzaga’s efforts to increase diversity have produced 19.6 percent students of color in the Class of 2015, 18.2 percent in the Class of 2014, and 19.5 percent in the Class of 2013.

Gonzaga’s Class of 2016 includes two National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists — among only 1,300 such scholars nationwide. Analysis reveals 26 percent of Gonzaga’s freshmen are first-generation college students. Gonzaga defines first-generation college students as those who do not have a parent with a bachelor’s degree.

Demographically, the entering class includes 58 percent women and 42 percent men. Once again, the majority of new freshmen, 46.4 percent, hail from the state of Washington (47.6 percent in fall 2011). California remains Gonzaga’s No. 2 most productive state for students with 20.1 percent of incoming freshmen from the Golden State (17.7 percent, 2011). Oregon is home to 9.6 percent of the class (12.2 percent, 2011) to rank third, while 5.5 percent are from Colorado (5.3 percent, 2011) to rank No. 4. With respect to religion, 54.1 percent of freshmen indicated they are Roman Catholic on their applications.

The new class is packed with leaders: eight students were student body presidents, 133 were class presidents or class officers, 471 participated in student government, and 597 took part in high school leadership activities. The class also includes 931 students with significant experience as volunteers, 142 who took part in speech or debate, and 947 students who competed in high school athletics or participated in outdoor activities.

Share Story
Related Stories
  • Freshman Class Most Diverse, among Most Outstanding Academically
  • Gonzaga Greets Largest Class Ever
  • Gonzaga Grads Shine with Many Gifts
  • What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Zag

Categories

  • Academics
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • News Center

Subscribe

Subscribe to Messages from Gonzaga University


First Name
Last Name
Email Address *

Get the latest news sent to you as soon as it is published. While the frequency of these emails varies, you’ll typically receive between two and five emails per week, depending on the time of year.

A monthly newsletter sent from August through June that highlights some of our best news, stories and events.


Back to Top
Visit
Apply
Give
Quick Links
  • Maps & Directions
  • Employment at GU
  • Emergency Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Title IX
  • Consumer Information
  • ZagMail
  • Contact Us
  • Harassment & Discrimination Policy
  • Virtual Tour
  • myGU Intranet
Gonzaga University
502 East Boone Avenue
Spokane, WA 99258-0102
(800) 986.9585
A Jesuit, Catholic, Humanistic University
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube