Union College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Willamette University is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 2,065 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Union College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union 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 Union College ($29,421 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 5.1% lower than at Union College ($16,150 vs. $17,010).
• Union College is 35% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $17,883 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35% higher at Union College than at Willamette University (about $17,883 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Union College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union College students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($42,534 vs. $38,080).

Union College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union College or Willamette University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Willamette University and Union College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Union College (1400) is 60 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Union College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Union College 1310/1480; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Union College 29/33; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Union College Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Willamette University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Union College (43.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Union College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Union College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union College and Willamette University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Union College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.