Willamette University vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Willamette University vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U ($29,421 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 2.8% lower than at Willamette University ($15,702 vs. $16,150).
• Seattle University is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $5,565 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at Seattle U than at Willamette University (about $5,565 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University as at Seattle University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 7.7% larger than aid received by Seattle University students ($38,080 vs. $35,351).

Willamette University vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 20 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Willamette University vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Seattle U? 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 University's (71%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($253 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 75%)

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.