Willamette University vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

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

Dickinson College is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,314 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Willamette University vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College ($29,421 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 5.6% lower than at Dickinson College ($16,150 vs. $17,100).
• Dickinson College is 28.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $14,494 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.3% higher at Dickinson College than at Willamette University (about $14,494 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Dickinson College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 16.8% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($44,479 vs. $38,080).

Willamette University vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Willamette University or Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College and Willamette University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 50 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Willamette University vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Dickinson College? 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).

• Dickinson College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Dickinson College earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($21,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($217 vs. $268).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.