UO vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Oregon is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (24,404 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Oregon is located in Eugene, OR (Midsize City setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• University of Oregon is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Oregon 19:1; Willamette University 13:1.

UO vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UO 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 University of Oregon than Willamette University ($24,605 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 2.8% lower than at University of Oregon ($16,150 vs. $16,611).
• Willamette University is 217% more expensive for in-state tuition than UO (about $35,019 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $16,137.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.7% higher at Willamette University than at University of Oregon (about $6,558 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $44,598.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at University of Oregon (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 298.3% larger than aid received by University of Oregon students ($38,080 vs. $9,560).

UO vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UO 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 UO.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 90 points higher than at UO (1250).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at UO).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Oregon 1130/1360; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Oregon 23/30; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UO - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UO Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at UO (3.73).
• UO has a higher acceptance rate (88.3%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at UO vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

UO vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UO 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 University of Oregon's (66%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than UO graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Oregon graduates have a $4,899 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($21,101 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, UO graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($218 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UO students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 62%)

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.