Wooster vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Willamette University is larger than Wooster based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,738 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wooster vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wooster 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 The College of Wooster than Willamette University ($28,004 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The College of Wooster are 10.3% lower than at Willamette University ($14,490 vs. $16,150).
• The College of Wooster is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $10,484 more per year; $61,640.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Wooster than at Willamette University (about $10,484 more per year; $61,640.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at The College of Wooster as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The College of Wooster students is 25.2% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($47,672 vs. $38,080).

Wooster vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wooster 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 Wooster.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The College of Wooster (1340) is the same as at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Wooster students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Willamette University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of Wooster 1220/1460; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of Wooster 27/33; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wooster - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wooster Feb 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Wooster (3.76).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Wooster (59.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Wooster vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Wooster vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wooster 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 The College of Wooster's (75%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Wooster graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $51,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University and Wooster graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Willamette University and Wooster graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wooster students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 76%)

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.