Willamette University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Salem, Oregon with 1,592 undergraduates. It admits 77% of applicants, costs an average of $25,908 a year after grants and graduates 71% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Willamette University acceptance rate and admissions
Willamette University admitted 77% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 640 to 730, math 600 to 710). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Willamette University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early decision | Nov 1, 2026 (passed) |
| Early action | Nov 1, 2026 (passed) |
| Regular decision | Jan 15, 2027 |
Next deadline: Regular decision, Jan 15, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Willamette University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Willamette University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $54,224 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $16,800 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $71,440 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $25,908 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $25,908 a year after grants and scholarships, $45,532 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Willamette University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Willamette University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 71% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $62,275 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $17,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 28% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Willamette University majors and what graduates earn
Willamette University awarded bachelor's degrees in 34 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer science ($100,650).
All 34 majors at Willamette University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Willamette University
4 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 4 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Professional doctorate | 110 | $75,273 | $175,192 |
| Business administration | Master's | 71 | $88,668 | $74,019 |
| Data science | Master's | 27 | n/a | n/a |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,592 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 62% women, 38% men
- 13 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Willamette University?
Willamette University admitted 77% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Willamette University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $54,224. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $25,908 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Willamette University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 640 to 730 in reading and writing and 600 to 710 in math, and 28 to 33 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Willamette University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Willamette University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Willamette University?
71% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Willamette University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $62,275 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Oregon · Willamette University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.