Centre College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Centre College in Danville, KY with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Centre College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Centre College is located in Danville, KY (Distant Town setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Centre College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Centre College 10:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Centre College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Centre College or Willamette University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Centre College than Willamette University ($23,860 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centre College are 9.3% lower than at Willamette University ($14,640 vs. $16,150).
• Centre College is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $1,664 more per year; $52,820.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Centre College than at Willamette University (about $1,664 more per year; $52,820.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Centre College as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centre College students is 15.6% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($44,015 vs. $38,080).

Centre College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Centre College or Willamette University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Willamette University and Centre College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 30 points higher than at Centre College (1310).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Centre College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centre College 1160/1450; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centre College 25/32; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Centre College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Centre College Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Centre College (3.62).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Centre College (54.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Centre College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Centre College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Centre College and Willamette University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Centre College's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Centre College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $52,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Centre College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centre College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Centre College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 79%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.