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Willamette University

Willamette University

Salem, OR · City · 1,592 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$25,121
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
72%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
69% typical
$56,911
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$58,391 typical
77%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
About

Founded in 1842 as the first university in the American West, Willamette University is a historic liberal arts institution best known for its deep commitment to civic engagement, sustainability, and undergraduate research. Situated directly across the street from the Oregon State Capitol, the university offers unmatched access to hands-on government and policy internships, which bolsters its premier programs in politics, environmental science, economics, and fine arts through the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). Campus culture is collaborative, progressive, and outdoorsy, fostering a tight-knit community where students benefit from direct faculty mentorship and an ethos centered on public service.

Wikipedia:Willamette University is a private liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1842, it is the oldest college in the Western United States. Originally named the Oregon Institute, the school was an unaffiliated outgrowth of the Methodist Mission. The name was changed to Wallamet University in 1852, followed by the current spelling in 1870. Willamette founded the first medical school and law school in the Pacific Northwest in the second half of the 19th century.

Location
Salem, OR, 97301 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
PDX · Portland
50 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$51,156
Housing & food (on campus)$16,150
Books & supplies$1,222
Cost of attendance$67,501
Average net price$25,121
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$51,156
Housing & food (on campus)$16,150
Books & supplies$1,222
Cost of attendance$67,501
Average net price$25,121
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$16,182
$30–48k
$16,825
$48–75k
$18,225
$75–110k
$22,382
$110k+
$33,794
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
72%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
62%
Back for yr 2
87%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
74% graduated · 21% transferred · 5% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$38,932
10 yrs after entry$56,911
Debt
Median at graduation$21,500
Monthly payment$228
Middle 50% owe$11k–$29.3k
90th percentile$37,000
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — arts & sciences: 69% graduate within 6 yrs.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
77%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1377
R 640–730 · M 600–710
SAT middle 50%: 1240–1440
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Willamette University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 38%Women 62%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
13 : 1
Pell grant
24%
First-gen
19%
Family income
$73,572
Independent
3%
Age at entry
19.0
Part-time
1%
Race & ethnicity
White
65%
Hispanic
15%
Black
2%
Asian
4%
Two or more
9%
Non-resident
2%
NH/PI
1%
Unknown
2%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Women's
  • Other Sports
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$38,932
After 10 yrs
$56,911
Economics49
Political Science and Government35
Biology, General31
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness29
Psychology, General24
Communication and Media Studies22
Natural Resources Conservation and Research18
English Language and Literature, General17
Sociology17
Fine and Studio Arts15
Area Studies13
Chemistry13
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics11
Data Science11
Physics10
Public Health10
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$250M
Full-time faculty
69%
Faculty salary
$11,083/mo
Teaching spend
$15,686
per student
Federal loans
39%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — arts & sciences
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Willamette University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
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Scholarship search