Acceptance Rate
77%
Avg. SAT
1440
75th percentile
“Oregon's trailblazing liberal arts pioneer, blending state capitol intrigue with Pacific Northwest riverside serenity.”
Salem, OR
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
You'll step into history at Willamette University, founded in 1842 by Methodist missionaries as the first university west of the Rocky Mountains, when Oregon was still a wild frontier. This compact campus hugs the Willamette River in Salem, the state's midsize capital city, where cherry orchards bloom pink each spring and the domed capitol building looms nearby. Students who thrive here are collaborative doers—outdoorsy types who hike on weekends, engage in public service, and prefer tight-knit discussions over anonymous lectures—rather than solo grinders chasing Ivy prestige. The school's personality feels unpretentious and progressive, fostering a sense of community in a place that's more approachable than elite. But tradeoffs hit hard: national name recognition lags behind coastal powerhouses, Salem's quiet vibe (think state workers and retirees, not nightlife) can feel isolating if you crave urban buzz, and that $45,000 tuition demands serious financial aid navigation.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
In Willamette's intimate classrooms, where a 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name from day one, you'll dive into seminars buzzing with debate, especially in politics and government—programs turbocharged by the state capitol five blocks away, landing undergrads internships shadowing legislators. Biology and environmental science shine too, with hands-on research in the nearby Willamette Valley's ecosystems, from river sampling to climate modeling. The intellectual culture rewards curious generalists over narrow specialists; expect collaborative projects over cutthroat curves. Tradeoffs? Research opps exist but pale next to R1 giants, and while interdisciplinary majors like law and society intrigue, breadth can dilute depth for career-focused types.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,661 undergrad • 519 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
60%
Black / African American
2%
Hispanic / Latino
13%
Asian
4%
Other / Multi-racial
20%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Salem, OR
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
A typical week at Willamette mixes morning classes with afternoon club meetings—think ultimate frisbee on the quad or kayaking the river—culminating in Thursday's Wulapalooza, the student-run music fest that packs the lawn with indie bands and food trucks. Residential life centers on four historic halls where freshmen bond over mandatory hall dinners, though upperclassmen scatter into apartments amid Salem's mild rains. The social scene skews low-key and inclusive, with minimal Greek life (under 10% participate) favoring queer alliance dances, sustainability fairs, and Black Student Union soul food nights; weekends often mean Portland road trips for concerts. Positives abound in the supportive vibe and endless trails, but challenges include gloomy winters that cabin-fever some, a mostly white student body (60%+), and a party drought compared to bigger schools.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Northwest Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$25,081
$30K – $48K
$24,078
$48K – $75K
$29,085
$75K – $110K
$37,882
$110K+
$41,906
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
87%
4 Years Graduation Rate
68%
6 Years Graduation Rate
74%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$56,911
87% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Willamette University and return in the fall. 68% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 74% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
68%
4-6 years
6%
Non-grad
26%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$45,000
Acceptance
77%
Undergrads
1,661
4-Year Grad Rate
68%
Endowment
$291M
Salem, OR 97301
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