Willamette University is a private non-profit institution located in Salem, OR, offering 36 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. Willamette University provides students with educational opportunities designed to prepare them for success in their chosen fields. Financial aid significantly reduces the cost of attendance, with the average net price after aid at $23,663.

Key Facts

  • 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $48,268
  • 2024 Average Net Price: $23,663 After Financial Aid
  • 2024 Acceptance Rate: 79.11% Moderate Selectivity
  • 2024 Enrolled Students: 1,525 N/A% Full-Time
  • 2024 Graduation Rate: 72.73%
  • Average SAT Score: 1339

Costs

Tuition Costs

$48,268
2024 Undergraduate Tuition

In 2024, the cost of tuition at Willamette University was $48,268.

Tuition comparison with similar institutions.

Average Net Price

$23,663
2024 Value

In 2024 Willamette University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $23,663.

Average net price comparison with similar institutions.

Total Cost of Attendance

$94,652 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost

$23,663 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)

$193,072 4-Year Tuition

Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.

4-year total cost breakdown for Willamette University.

Financial Aid by Income Level

21.80% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants

41.11% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans

Financial aid distribution by income level.

Student Loan Default Rate

Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)

The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Willamette University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.

Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

79.11% Acceptance Rate

This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.

Acceptance rate compared to national average.

Test Scores

SAT Average: 1339

Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.

Academic Requirements

Estimated GPA Range: 3.5 - 3.7

Estimated Median GPA: 3.60

Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.

Estimated GPA and test score ranges.

Enrollment

Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment

N/A% Full-Time Enrollment

The total enrollment at Willamette University in 2024 is 1,525 students.

Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.

Retention Rate over Time

N/A%
2024 Retention Rate

Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.

Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.

Graduates & Outcomes

Time to Complete

60.00% 100% Completion Time

72.73% 150% Completion Time

In 2024, 60.00% of students graduating from Willamette University completed their program within 100% "normal time".

Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.

ROI & Programs

Financial value and program information for Willamette University.

Return on Investment

$21,500 Median Student Debt

$56,911 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)

37.78% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio

501.27% Return on Investment

3.8 years Estimated Payback Period

Financial value analysis for Willamette University.

Top Programs by Completions

10 Programs Reporting Data

Law (JD): 110 completions

CIP 52.0201: 83 completions

CIP 30.7001: 41 completions

Economics: 32 completions

Political Science & Government: 31 completions

General Psychology: 20 completions

Agricultural and Food Products Processing: 19 completions

Computer Science: 18 completions

CIP 30.2601: 17 completions

Other/Unknown Programs: 551 completions

Most popular programs at Willamette University.

Employment Outcomes

$38,932 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)

$50,849 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)

$56,911 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)

Earnings outcomes for Willamette University graduates.

About

Willamette University is a private non-profit institution located in Salem, OR, offering 36 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 1,525 students. The admission rate is 79.11%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1339. The institution maintains a 72.73% graduation rate. Approximately 21.80% of students receive Pell Grants.

Institution Type

Private Non-profit

Location

Salem, OR 97301

Region: Far West

Insights and Analysis

Willamette University provides educational opportunities for students seeking higher education. Prospective students should carefully evaluate all factors including costs, outcomes, and program offerings when making their enrollment decisions.

Data Sources

This page uses data from the following sources:

  • College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
    • Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
    • Employment and wage data by occupation
    • Latest data: May 2024
    • Source: bls.gov/oes
  • O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
    • Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
    • Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
    • Source: onetcenter.org
  • IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
    • Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
  • Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
    • Demographic and workforce data
    • Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
    • Source: census.gov/acs

Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.

Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.

Methodology

Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.

All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.