About

About Willamette University

liberal arts collegesmall class sizesaccessible admissionssocial sciences focus

Willamette University is a private liberal arts college in Salem, OR, known for its liberal arts college, small class sizes, and accessible admissions. With an acceptance rate of 81%, Willamette University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 524 students each year. Willamette University is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. Willamette University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $31,128 per year; the sticker price of $60,106 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Willamette University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

81%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Willamette University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
If you have any interest in law, policy, or public service, mention Willamette's unique colocation with the Oregon State Capitol and the Willamette University College of Law in your essays or additional info section, showing you have done real research into what makes this campus distinct.
Demonstrated Interest
Willamette actively tracks campus visits and one-on-one interactions with admissions counselors, so schedule a visit to Salem or attend one of their virtual info sessions and follow up with your regional rep by name after the event.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Willamette University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$60k/yr$16.2k
30k-48k~$60k/yr$16.8k
48k-75k~$60k/yr$18.2k
75k-110k~$60k/yr$22.4k
110k+~$60k/yr$33.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

73%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$39k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,158
Undergrad Enrollment
Willamette University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch