Gonzaga Soars in Princeton Review "Best Colleges 2024" Rankings

Gonzaga University has enjoyed a regular presence in Princeton Review Best Colleges rankings for years, and the new Best Colleges 2024 edition once again lands GU among the 389 schools included — roughly 15 percent of all four-year colleges in America.

Princeton Review’s list is noteworthy because the schools that make the list of Best Colleges, as well as a number of other Princeton Review rankings in categories dedicated to academics and student life, are determined by students themselves. Roughly 165,000 college students across the country were surveyed for the 2024 rankings, and Gonzaga’s student body made sure their voices were heard.

Not only did the survey land GU among the top 15 percent of all institutions, it also showcased the myriad interests, academic and otherwise, that make Gonzaga students exceptional.

“Gonzaga University celebrates the Princeton Review rankings, which recognize our students work hard and play hard,” said Julie McCulloh, vice provost for enrollment management.

Gonzaga ranked No. 25 in the country for “Students Who Study Most,” and anyone who passes through Foley Library or the Hemm Den during the school year can attest to that. GU also landed at No. 23 for “Most Politically Active Students,” No. 22 for “Best College Newspaper” and No. 17 for “Most Engaged in Community Service.” Gonzaga students regularly combine classroom studies with community outreach, applying what they learn to help partner organizations throughout the region.

Gonzaga is known for its school spirit, and the passion of its students has helped GU reach the top heights of Princeton Review’s list of “Students Who Love Their School Teams” for several years. This year, though, Princeton Review ranks GU’s students No. 1, the most passionate fanatics in the country. But GU’s students aren’t satisfied just cheering for the Zags’ teams, they like to participate themselves between study sessions and research papers. Gonzaga ranks No. 17 on the list “Everyone Plays Intramural Sports.” These new rankings join Gonzaga's ascension to Princeton Review's Top 50 "Green Colleges" list earlier this year, a recognition of the school's ongoing efforts to increase sustainable practices on campus. 

“I am not at all surprised by these high rankings,” said Kent Porterfield, vice provost for student affairs. “Gonzaga students are very engaged in the life of the campus. In the Jesuit tradition, they are experience-driven and learn by doing. Our students come here to be involved and want to be great leaders. They are highly motivated and hungry to learn inside and outside the classroom.”

Princeton Review started doing college rankings in 50 categories in 1992, and the results are based on an 85-question survey asking students to rate their professors, administrators, financial aid, campus amenities, school services and other aspects of campus life.

“We created our rankings to provide a resource for college applicants that helps them answer what may well be the toughest question in their college search — ‘What’s the best school for me?’” said Rob Franek, Princeton Review editor-in-chief and lead author of “The Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition. “Our selection of colleges for this book reflects our high opinion of the schools: we recommend each one as academically outstanding.”

Find Princeton Review’s “The Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition” at princetonreview.com.