Willamette University
Salem, Oregon 97301
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Private urban college in Salem
Willamette University is a private urban institution in Salem, Oregon. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1339.
A small campus of 1.5K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
73% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $56,911 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $23,663.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Bearcats
History & Fun Facts
- •Lee requested additional support for his mission, and received 53 additional volunteers in 1839, who arrived on the ship Lausanne.
- •After a series of meetings in Lee's home, the by-laws were adopted and board of trustees elected and the institute was officially established on February 1, 1842.
- •The Oregon Institute officially opened on August 13, 1844, with a total of five students and one teacher, Mrs.
- •Lee served as the first President of the Board of Trustees, followed by David Leslie after Lee's death in 1845.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1339
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
59.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.5%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,913
Programs (46)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
86%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
11
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from OR state average + city premium