About Willamette University
Students face a sticker price of $64,691, but most pay far less after aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $23,663, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates typically earn $56,911 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of just $21,500. That translates to monthly loan payments of $228, a manageable burden given the earning potential.
The student body leans female at 61% and draws most students from out of state, with only 32% calling Oregon home. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that shows in the 86% retention rate. Division III athletics field 20 varsity sports for the Bearcats, with 395 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 89% employment rate suggests graduates find their footing quickly after leaving Salem.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 74.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.7%
- Retention Rate
- 86.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,911
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,530 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $49,102 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $39,909 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $27,204 |
Campus Life
The 72-acre campus centers around the historic Waller Hall, reflecting Willamette's distinction as the oldest university in the western United States since 1842. Students often gather at the Mill Stream that runs through campus or study in the renovated library. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll regularly see professors around campus and in Salem's downtown coffee shops. Weekend activities range from hiking in the nearby Cascade foothills to catching live music in Portland. The Bearcats compete in 20 NCAA Division III sports, drawing 395 student-athletes who balance academics with competition in the Northwest Conference. Campus traditions include the annual Luau and building community around the school's Quaker heritage.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,295 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1842
Campus Safety (2023)
54 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 10 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–48°F
- July Avg
- 55°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.3%
- Women
- 60.7%
- White
- 66.2%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 14.2%
- Asian
- 3.9%
- In-State Students
- 31.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.8%
Location
- Address
- Salem, Oregon 97301
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,911
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,960
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Willamette University?
Willamette University accepts 80.60% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. Founded in 1842, this liberal arts university maintains strong academic standards while welcoming students who want rigorous education in a supportive environment.
How much does Willamette University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Willamette University is $23,663, lower than the sticker price of $64,691. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,603, while even those from higher-income families see substantial reductions through the university's generous aid programs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Willamette University?
Willamette maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,525 total students. This intimate setting allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention that defines the liberal arts experience at America's oldest university west of the Mississippi.
What do Willamette University graduates earn after college?
Willamette graduates earn a median of $56,911 ten years after graduation with relatively low debt of $21,500. The university's strong liberal arts foundation and notable alumni like Nobel Prize winner Dale T. Mortensen demonstrate the long-term value of a Willamette education.
Where is Willamette University located and what is campus life like?
Willamette sits in Salem, Oregon's capital city, housing 1,295 students in on-campus facilities. The Bearcats compete in 20 NCAA Division III sports with 395 student-athletes, creating a tight-knit community where academics and athletics blend seamlessly.
Is Willamette University really the oldest university in the western United States?
Yes, Willamette University was founded in 1842, making it the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. This historic institution has produced influential leaders including U.S. Senators Mark Hatfield and Maurine Brown Neuberger, maintaining its tradition of developing thoughtful citizen-leaders for over 180 years.
