Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Salem, Oregon |
| Online | willamette.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Willamette University, situated in Salem, Oregon's capital city, occupies a historic campus adjacent to the State Capitol Building. The liberal arts institution, established in 1842, holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the Western United States and operates in partnership with Tokyo International University of America, which maintains a campus presence. The university's park-like grounds feature a mix of historic red-brick buildings and modern facilities along Mill Creek, with all first-year students residing in on-campus housing. While offering comprehensive liberal arts programs, Willamette is particularly recognized for its College of Law, environmental science programs, and the Atkinson Graduate School of Management. The university competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Bearcats, focusing on regional competition in the Northwest Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Willamette University is rated within the top 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Willamette University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#253 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#190 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Colleges in Oregon
#5 in Best Private Colleges in Oregon
#214 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in Oregon
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1220/1430 |
| ACT | 27/32 |
| GPA | 3.97 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $933 |
| Other Fees | $268 |
| Room and Board | $15,490 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,810 |
| Total One Year Cost | $67,501 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 28% |
| Foreign Languages | 10% |
| English and Literature | 8% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
| Psychology | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Willamette University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=210401 IPEDS survey data for Willamette University.
Current students may use the Willamette University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025