Kenyon vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Kenyon College in Gambier, OH with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kenyon College is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,249 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kenyon College is located in Gambier, OH (Distant Rural setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Kenyon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kenyon College 9:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Kenyon vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kenyon 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 Kenyon ($29,421 vs. $46,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kenyon College are 3.2% lower than at Willamette University ($15,640 vs. $16,150).
• Kenyon College is 39.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $20,364 more per year; $71,520.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.8% higher at Kenyon than at Willamette University (about $20,364 more per year; $71,520.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Kenyon College (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kenyon College students is 7% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($40,731 vs. $38,080).

Kenyon vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kenyon 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 Kenyon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kenyon College (1430) is 90 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Kenyon students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kenyon College 1358/1503; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kenyon College 31/33; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kenyon - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kenyon Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Kenyon (3.84).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Kenyon (31%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Kenyon vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Kenyon vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kenyon 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).

• Kenyon College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Kenyon graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $52,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kenyon College graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Kenyon graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($196 vs. $268).
• More Kenyon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.