Willamette University
About Willamette University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Willamette University is a private university in Salem, OR. It has a 80.6% acceptance rate and a 76.1% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,335 students.
Founded
1842
Location
Salem, Oregon
Students
2,111
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
77.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
71.2%
Near national average
Tuition
$51,156
Per year
Avg Net Price
$25,121
After financial aid
SAT Average
1377
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$56,911
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Willamette University accepts the majority of applicants at 77.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1377/ 1600
ACT Scores
30/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
71.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86.5%
4-Year Grad
66%
6-Year Grad
72%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
69%
$/Student
$15.7K
Class Size
Medium
66% graduate in 4 years, and 86.5% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$51,156
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,150
Books & Supplies
$1,222
Total Cost of Attendance
$67,501
After Financial Aid
$25,121
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,182
Receive Grants
23.6%
Take Loans
39.3%
Don't let the $51,156 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $25,121 after financial aid, a 51% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $16,182.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Willamette University fund their education.
While in School
23.6%
Get Grants
Free money
39.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$73,572
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 39.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Willamette University.
Gender
61.9%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,592
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
519
Graduates
19.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 19.2% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
1,592
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Willamette University fields 14 varsity teams with 473 student athletes, about 30% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Northwest
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
473
30% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
261
Men
212
Women
10
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Willamette Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$56,911
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$46K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$35K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$25K
31 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$59K
29 grads
4yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
24 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$31K
22 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $57K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Willamette University
What is the acceptance rate at Willamette University?▾
How much does Willamette University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Willamette University?▾
How much do Willamette University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.