Willamette University vs. Western Oregon State College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Oregon University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (3,722 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Western Oregon University is in Monmouth, OR (Town Fringe setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Western Oregon University 13:1.

Willamette University vs. Western Oregon State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Western Oregon State College? 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 Western Oregon University than Willamette University ($14,006 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Oregon University are 22.4% lower than at Willamette University ($12,528 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 330.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Oregon State College (about $39,277 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $11,879.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.2% higher at Willamette University than at Western Oregon University (about $18,622 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $32,534.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Western Oregon University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 271.8% larger than aid received by Western Oregon University students ($38,080 vs. $10,241).

Willamette University vs. Western Oregon State College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Willamette University or Western Oregon State College? 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 Western Oregon State College and Willamette University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 350 points higher than at Western Oregon State College (990).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at Western Oregon State College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Western Oregon University 868/1108.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Western Oregon University 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Western Oregon State College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Western Oregon State College (3.36).
• Western Oregon State College has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 18.6% at Western Oregon State College.

Willamette University vs. Western Oregon State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Western Oregon State College? 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 Western Oregon University's (39%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Western Oregon State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Oregon University graduates have a $1,498 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($24,502 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Oregon State College 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 Western Oregon State College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 53%)

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.