Willamette University vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle Pacific University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,261 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Willamette University vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University than Willamette University ($25,232 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 2.1% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($16,150 vs. $16,491).
• Willamette University is 26.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $10,749 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.6% higher at Willamette University than at Seattle Pacific University (about $10,749 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 20.7% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($38,080 vs. $31,558).

Willamette University vs. SPU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 150 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Willamette University vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University's (74%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $397 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($25,603 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($264 vs. $268).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.