Gonzaga Greets Best Academic Class Ever


August 26, 2016
SPOKANE, Wash. – The 1,280 freshmen Gonzaga University welcomed to campus this fall represent the best academic class in its 129-year history. The Class of 2020 also is Gonzaga’s second largest and second most diverse with 25.2 percent students of color.

“Once again we are enrolling a record-breaking class, for they have the highest academic profile to date,” said Erin Hays, director of undergraduate admission. “We are thrilled with the diverse talents, skills, experiences, and aspirations this class brings to the Gonzaga community.”

Based on preliminary estimates, Gonzaga’s Class of 2020 has a 3.76 grade-point average and test scores of 27 (average ACT composite) and 1,203 (average SAT composite). Only last year’s freshman class tops the Class of 2020 in size (1,332 students) and diversity (26.1 percent).

The new class is packed with leaders: 19 student body presidents, 88 class presidents or officers, 704 with leadership experience, 316 members of student government, and 1,031 involved in volunteerism. The class also includes 131 students who took part in speech or debate, 1,107 participants in high school athletics or outdoor activities, 324 musicians, 99 ecology/sustainability club members, and 135 theater participants.

Demographically, the entering class includes 52 percent women and 48 percent men. Once again, the largest group of new freshmen, 44.2 percent, hails from the state of Washington (also 44.2 percent in 2015). California remains Gonzaga’s No. 2 state with 25.1 percent of incoming freshmen from the Golden State (24 percent, 2015). Oregon is home to 11 percent of the class (9.6 percent, 2015), while 4.6 percent of students hail from Colorado (4.7 percent, 2015), followed by Montana (2.3 percent) and other states. This class represents 29 states – from as far away as New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and South Carolina – and the nations of Canada, Denmark, England, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, and Thailand.

With respect to religion, 47.6 percent of freshmen indicated they are Roman Catholic. The class includes students from some two dozen other faith traditions.

Official enrollment numbers won’t be confirmed until Sept. 30. However, Gonzaga currently estimates a total enrollment of 7,565 students this fall, including an estimated 5,100 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students (master’s and doctoral), approximately 315 Gonzaga University School of Law students, and 150 other students (non-degree programs).

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Peter Tormey, associate director of community and public relations, at (509) 313-6132 or Tormey@gonzaga.edu