As Fall Family Weekend Arrives, Many Reasons to Celebrate for Zag Nation

As thousands of Zag family members from across the country and around the world gather in Spokane for Fall Family Weekend, Gonzaga has many reasons to celebrate.

Last week, the University announced its advancement to No. 90 among National Universities and its recognition as one of the top 5 Jesuit schools based on in its standing in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.

Gonzaga is also reporting enrollment growth across its undergraduate and graduate programs. It welcomed 1,201 first-year students this fall, a 6.3% increase over last year. Transfer enrollment grew 15.1% and the School of Law enrollment increased 18.2%. This strong momentum is evidence of how students and families see the value of a Gonzaga education.

“This recognition, combined with strong enrollment trends, tells us that Gonzaga’s Jesuit, Catholic Mission and our whole-person approach to education is really resonating with students and families who are focused on both career preparation and creating positive impact in the world,” said President Katia Passerini. “I want to recognize our fantastic faculty and staff who work to deliver this experience to our students every day.”

Gonzaga By The Numbers

• #90 National University ^†
• #48 Top Private Colleges ^†
• Top 5 Jesuit University (based on standing in rankings) ^†
• #17 Service Learning ^†
• #17 Entrepreneurship ^†
• Best Value Colleges 2027 *
• #2 Students who love their school teams *
• #7 Most engaged in community service *

†  U.S. News & World Report 2027  |  * Princeton Review  "Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition"

The national rankings also continue to spotlight Gonzaga’s academic programs in business, engineering, teaching, nursing and service learning. Just as important, are Gonzaga’s high scores in graduation (84% six-year rate) and retention rates (92%), a reflection of the University’s commitment to the student experience and its student support programs.

"Families today are asking important questions about value and outcomes," said Max Kwenda, University registrar & director of Institutional Research. "The indicators we track show our Mission in action. Students are succeeding here and Gonzaga graduates achieve strong professional outcomes after they leave." Kwenda went on to point out that Gonzaga’s graduation rate and its students’ post-graduation earnings outperform its peers by significant margins.

More from U.S. News' 2027 Rankings

• #22 Undergraduate Engineering Programs Without Doctoral Programs
• #32 Undergraduate Teaching Programs
• #56 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs
• #24 Accounting
• #30 Finance
• #23 Management
  

Behind the numbers, are the incredible people of Zag Nation.

Emma Davey, Class of 2027 and Student Body President, spoke about her plans for this Fall Family Weekend. “It’s bittersweet – this is my last family weekend. My parents are both alumni, and they met as students at Gonzaga. I grew up immersed in the Gonzaga community as my parents shared their love for Gonzaga with me and stayed connected to their college peers through alumni events. Now, as I enter my last family weekend, I get to share the community I have built with them, and I couldn't be more excited. My sister just started her first year at Gonzaga. This weekend, we are celebrating our multi-generational Zag community, and we’re all looking forward to Kraziness in the Kennel.”

The newest members of the Zag family, 2026-27 first year students, represent an impressive new cohort. A few facts about them:

• Class average GPA: 3.67; average SAT score: 1330 (18% of students submitted the optional test)
  
• 52% from Washington
• Represent 39 states and 10 countries
• 34.3% from under-represented populations
• 21% first-generation college students
• 53% female; 47% male

For families who are spending the weekend on campus, the stats and rankings tell part of the story. But the real measure of success remains the student experience.

Kris Johnson, President & CEO of the Association of Washington Business, and a father of two current Gonzaga students, summed it up this way, “Gonzaga has been able to create something very special. Students have access to outstanding faculty and academics. They become a part of a caring and connected community. They are being prepared for the careers of the future. And they become part of a shared mission to create positive change in the world. That’s a powerful value proposition.”

To all the friends and family who will be on campus this weekend – a heartfelt welcome to you and Go Zags!