Willamette University vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Union University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Willamette University vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Union 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 Union University than Willamette University ($28,452 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 20.9% lower than at Willamette University ($12,780 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $11,131 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at Willamette University than at Union University (about $11,131 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 26.4% larger than aid received by Union University students ($38,080 vs. $30,120).

Willamette University vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 60 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Union University (3.8).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Willamette University vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Union University? 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $1,160 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($24,840 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($256 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 66%)

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.