Willamette University vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Washington University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Western Washington University is in Bellingham, WA (Small City setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Western Washington University 18:1.

Willamette University vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Western Washington 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 Western Washington University than Willamette University ($24,338 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Washington University are 2.5% lower than at Willamette University ($15,747 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 433.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Washington University (about $41,574 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $9,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.2% higher at Willamette University than at Western Washington University (about $22,449 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $28,707.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Western Washington University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 451.7% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($38,080 vs. $6,902).

Willamette University vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Willamette University or Western Washington 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 Western Washington University and Willamette University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 70 points higher than at Western Washington University (1270).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Western Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

Willamette University vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Western Washington 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 Western Washington University's (73%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Western Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $6,587 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($19,413 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($200 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Washington University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 71%)

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.