Willamette University vs. Lafayette College

Comparable Facts

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

Lafayette College is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,775 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Willamette University vs. Lafayette College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Lafayette 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 Lafayette College ($29,421 vs. $38,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 18.7% lower than at Lafayette College ($16,150 vs. $19,866).
• Lafayette College is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $14,242 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at Lafayette College than at Willamette University (about $14,242 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Lafayette College (100% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lafayette College students is 17.4% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($44,707 vs. $38,080).

Willamette University vs. Lafayette College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lafayette College (1430) is 90 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Lafayette College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Lafayette College 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Lafayette College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Lafayette College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Lafayette College (3.53).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Lafayette College (31.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 21.8% at Lafayette College.

Willamette University vs. Lafayette College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Lafayette 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).

• Lafayette College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Lafayette College earn a median of about $26,700 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,000 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lafayette College and Willamette University graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Lafayette College and Willamette University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Lafayette College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.