Willamette University vs. MSOE

Comparable Facts

Compare Willamette University in Salem, OR with Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Milwaukee School of Engineering is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,953 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Milwaukee School of Engineering is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Milwaukee School of Engineering 12:1.

Willamette University vs. MSOE Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or MSOE? 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 Milwaukee School of Engineering than Willamette University ($25,669 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milwaukee School of Engineering are 13.4% lower than at Willamette University ($13,984 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSOE (about $676 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $50,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Willamette University than at Milwaukee School of Engineering (about $676 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $50,480.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University as at Milwaukee School of Engineering (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 2.9% larger than aid received by Milwaukee School of Engineering students ($38,080 vs. $36,997).

Willamette University vs. MSOE Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 60 points higher than at MSOE (1280).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at MSOE).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Milwaukee School of Engineering 1160/1405.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Milwaukee School of Engineering 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; MSOE - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; MSOE Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at MSOE (3.65).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than MSOE (58.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 17.2% at MSOE.

Willamette University vs. MSOE Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and MSOE? 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).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Milwaukee School of Engineering's (57%).
• Graduates from Milwaukee School of Engineering earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,900 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than MSOE graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSOE graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More MSOE graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.