Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Willamette University has a 79.1% acceptance rate. Willamette University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Salem, OR, with a median SAT of 1360 and a median ACT of 31. The average net price is $25,121 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

79.1%

4,107 applicants

SAT Median

1360

Combined score

ACT Median

31

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$25,121

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Willamette University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Willamette University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)122013601440
ACT (composite, 1–36)273132

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.7%

Retention Rate

86.5%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

1,592

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Willamette University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$16,182
$30,001 – $48,000$16,825
$48,001 – $75,000$18,225
$75,001 – $110,000$22,382
$110,000+$33,794

Top Majors at Willamette University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences70
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies33
Physical Sciences19
Natural Resources & Conservation18
Psychology18
Parks, Recreation & Fitness17
Biological & Biomedical Sciences15
Visual & Performing Arts14
Computer & Information Sciences13
Business, Management & Marketing12

Financial Aid at Willamette University

About Willamette University

Official website: https://www.willamette.edu/

Admissions: https://www.willamette.edu/admission/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions About Willamette University

What is the acceptance rate at Willamette University?

Willamette University has an acceptance rate of 79%. it received about 4,107 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1360; the average net price is $25,121 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Willamette University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Willamette University?

Getting into Willamette University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 79% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1360. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Willamette University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Willamette University?

Admitted students at Willamette University typically have a median SAT around 1360 and a median ACT around 31. With a 79% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Willamette University is located in Salem, OR. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Willamette University?

The average net price at Willamette University is $25,121 per year after grants and scholarships. about 100% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $34,396 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Willamette University?

Willamette University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 87%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Willamette University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Willamette University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Willamette University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1360. With a 79% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Willamette University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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