Willamette University vs. Northwest University

Comparable Facts

Compare Willamette University in Salem, OR with Northwest University in Kirkland, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,053 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Northwest University is in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Northwest University 9:1.

Willamette University vs. Northwest University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Northwest University? 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 Northwest University than Willamette University ($24,251 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 30.8% lower than at Willamette University ($11,180 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 42% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $15,121 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42% higher at Willamette University than at Northwest University (about $15,121 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University as at Northwest University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 46.4% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($38,080 vs. $26,017).

Willamette University vs. Northwest University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Willamette University or Northwest University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Northwest University and Willamette University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 140 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Willamette University 1240/1440; Northwest University 1040/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Northwest University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Northwest University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Willamette University students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 30.8% at Northwest University.

Willamette University vs. Northwest University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Northwest University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $4,468 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($21,532 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 62%)

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.