Reed vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Willamette University is larger than Reed based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Reed vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Reed 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 Reed ($29,421 vs. $30,953).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 8.6% lower than at Reed College ($16,150 vs. $17,660).
• Reed College is 35.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $18,194 more per year; $69,350.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.6% higher at Reed than at Willamette University (about $18,194 more per year; $69,350.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Reed College (100% vs. 58%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Reed College students is 45.6% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($55,445 vs. $38,080).

Reed vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Reed 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 Reed.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Reed College (1410) is 70 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Reed 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: Reed College 1290/1520; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Reed College 30/34; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Reed - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Reed students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Willamette University (3.97).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Reed (24.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Reed vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Reed vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Reed 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).

• Reed College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Reed graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $47,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Reed College graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($16,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Reed graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($165 vs. $268).
• More Reed graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.