Willamette University vs. UW-Seattle

Comparable Facts

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

University of Washington Seattle Campus is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (56,997 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); University of Washington Seattle Campus is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Washington Seattle Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; University of Washington Seattle Campus 20:1.

Willamette University vs. UW-Seattle Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or UW-Seattle? 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 University of Washington Seattle Campus than Willamette University ($11,784 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 12.3% lower than at University of Washington Seattle Campus ($16,150 vs. $18,405).
• Willamette University is 294.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW-Seattle (about $38,183 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $12,973.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.4% higher at Willamette University than at University of Washington Seattle Campus (about $7,947 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $43,209.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at University of Washington Seattle Campus (100% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 135.7% larger than aid received by University of Washington Seattle Campus students ($38,080 vs. $16,156).

Willamette University vs. UW-Seattle Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 10 points higher than at UW-Seattle (1330).
• Incoming Willamette University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at UW-Seattle (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; University of Washington Seattle Campus 1200/1453.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; University of Washington Seattle Campus 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; UW-Seattle - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; UW-Seattle Nov 16, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at UW-Seattle (3.82).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than UW-Seattle (39.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 26.6% at UW-Seattle.

Willamette University vs. UW-Seattle Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and UW-Seattle? 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).

• University of Washington Seattle Campus's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from University of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Washington Seattle Campus graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($15,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, UW-Seattle graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($155 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UW-Seattle students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 76%)

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.