OSU vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oregon State University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oregon State University 18:1; Willamette University 13:1.

OSU vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU 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 Oregon State University than Willamette University ($22,467 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 1.4% lower than at Oregon State University ($16,150 vs. $16,386).
• Willamette University is 255.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than OSU (about $36,756 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $14,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34% higher at Willamette University than at Oregon State University (about $12,966 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $38,190.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Oregon State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 239.1% larger than aid received by Oregon State University students ($38,080 vs. $11,230).

OSU vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OSU 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 OSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 70 points higher than at OSU (1270).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at OSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at OSU (3.61).
• OSU has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

OSU vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU 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).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Oregon State University's (61%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $400 more per year than OSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $53,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oregon State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, OSU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($242 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OSU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 66%)

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.