Willamette University vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

Compare Willamette University in Salem, OR with Lawrence University in Appleton, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Willamette University vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Lawrence? 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 Lawrence University than Willamette University ($27,161 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 24.7% lower than at Willamette University ($12,165 vs. $16,150).
• Lawrence University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $5,826 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at Lawrence than at Willamette University (about $5,826 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University as at Lawrence University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 12.1% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($42,688 vs. $38,080).

Willamette University vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 30 points higher than at Lawrence (1310).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Lawrence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Lawrence (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Willamette University vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Lawrence? 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 Willamette University is the same as at Lawrence University (77% vs. 77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $1,350 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($268 vs. $282).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 76%)

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.