Colorado College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Colorado College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 2,056 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado College is located in Colorado Springs, CO (Large City setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Colorado College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado College 9:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Colorado College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado 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 Willamette University than Colorado College ($29,421 vs. $36,123).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colorado College are 0.8% lower than at Willamette University ($16,020 vs. $16,150).
• Colorado College is 38.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $19,578 more per year; $70,734.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.3% higher at Colorado College than at Willamette University (about $19,578 more per year; $70,734.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Colorado College (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colorado College students is 33.5% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($50,834 vs. $38,080).

Colorado College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colorado 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 Colorado College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado College (1350) is 10 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Colorado College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado College 1230/1460; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado College 29/33; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colorado College Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colorado College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Willamette University (3.97).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Colorado College (18.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.3% at Colorado College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Colorado College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado 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).

• Colorado College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Colorado College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado College graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Colorado College graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More Colorado College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 80%)

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.