Willamette University

7/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Salem, OR
4.8 4 reviews

#5 Best Private Colleges in Oregon

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

2,180

Location Salem, Oregon
Website willamette.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Midsize City

Best Colleges Rank

#268

Size Small
Status Non-profit
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.

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Ratings

Willamette University is rated within the top 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

Overall Rating

7 out of 10
Academics

9 out of 10
Resources

8 out of 10
Outcomes

6 out of 10
Value

8 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Willamette University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Very High

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1240/1440
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 28/33
GPA 3.97

Acceptance Rate

77.1%

Applications Due Jan 15, 2027
Enrollment Rate 14.3%
Application Fee $0

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$51,156

Costs for Willamette University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$51,156
Books and Supplies		$1,222
Other Fees		$276
Room and Board		$16,150
Budget for Other Expenses		$2,912
Total One Year Cost		$71,716

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$54,300 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

77% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Willamette University are Social Sciences, Foreign Languages, and English and Literature. 28% of students major in Social Sciences, 10% in Foreign Languages, and 8% in English and Literature.