Willamette University vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Willamette University in Salem, OR with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Willamette University vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Sewanee? 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 Sewanee ($29,421 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of the South are 0.8% lower than at Willamette University ($16,028 vs. $16,150).
• The University of the South is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $4,964 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Sewanee than at Willamette University (about $4,964 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at The University of the South (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 2.4% larger than aid received by The University of the South students ($38,080 vs. $37,171).

Willamette University vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 10 points higher than at Sewanee (1330).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Sewanee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Willamette University vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($196 vs. $268).
• More Sewanee 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.