Westmont College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Westmont College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Westmont College is located in Santa Barbara, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Westmont College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Westmont College 10:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Westmont College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Westmont 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 Westmont College ($29,421 vs. $32,172).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 4.8% lower than at Westmont College ($16,150 vs. $16,960).
• Westmont College is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $2,428 more per year; $53,584.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Westmont College than at Willamette University (about $2,428 more per year; $53,584.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Westmont College as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westmont College students is 2.3% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($38,956 vs. $38,080).

Westmont College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Westmont College 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 Westmont College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westmont College (1350) is 10 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Westmont College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westmont College 1240/1450; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westmont College 25/32; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Westmont College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Westmont College (3.59).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Westmont College (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Westmont College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Westmont College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Westmont College 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).

• The graduation rate at Westmont College is the same as at Willamette University (77% vs. 77%).
• Graduates from Westmont College earn a median of about $300 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westmont College graduates have a $877 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($25,123 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Westmont College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($259 vs. $268).
• More Westmont 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.