Willamette University vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

Willamette University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Willamette University vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($29,421 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 9.9% lower than at Willamette University ($14,548 vs. $16,150).
• Muhlenberg College is 22.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $11,649 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Willamette University (about $11,649 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($42,545 vs. $38,080).

Willamette University vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 10 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Muhlenberg 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; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Willamette University vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Muhlenberg 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $490 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.