Willamette University vs. Whitman College

Comparable Facts

Compare Willamette University in Salem, OR with Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Whitman College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,561 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Whitman College is in Walla Walla, WA (Remote Town setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Whitman College 10:1.

Willamette University vs. Whitman College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University or Whitman 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 Willamette University than Whitman College ($29,421 vs. $37,633).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whitman College are 6.6% lower than at Willamette University ($15,080 vs. $16,150).
• Whitman College is 25.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $12,894 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.2% higher at Whitman College than at Willamette University (about $12,894 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Whitman College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitman College students is 6.3% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($40,489 vs. $38,080).

Willamette University vs. Whitman College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Willamette University or Whitman 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 Whitman College and Willamette University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whitman College (1400) is 60 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Whitman College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 1240/1440; Whitman College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; Whitman College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Whitman College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Whitman College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Whitman College (3.68).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Whitman College (38.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 14.1% at Whitman College.

Willamette University vs. Whitman College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Whitman 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).

• Whitman College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Whitman College earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whitman College graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($17,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Whitman College graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($180 vs. $268).
• More Whitman College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (93% 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.