Wheaton College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Wheaton College is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,874 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wheaton College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wheaton 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 Wheaton College ($29,421 vs. $31,356).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheaton College are 19.4% lower than at Willamette University ($13,010 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 12.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheaton College (about $5,610 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.3% higher at Willamette University than at Wheaton College (about $5,610 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Wheaton College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 36.1% larger than aid received by Wheaton College students ($38,080 vs. $27,987).

Wheaton College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheaton College (1370) is 30 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Wheaton College 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: Wheaton College 1260/1470; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wheaton College 28/32; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wheaton College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wheaton College Aug 1, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Wheaton College (3.75).
• Wheaton College has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.9% at Wheaton College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Wheaton College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wheaton 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).

• Wheaton College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates of Wheaton College and Willamette University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $54,300), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Wheaton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.