At $23,663/yr net price, Willamette University graduates earn $56,911/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,911/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,663 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,911/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,911/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,603/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,977/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,425/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,618/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,101/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,530 | $72,115 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $70,456 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $49,102 | $162,945 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $39,909 | $19,500 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $20,915 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $21,511 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $24,547 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $23,000 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $27,204 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
72.7% of students at Willamette University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Willamette University delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $56,911 placing it well above many private colleges. Your net price of $23,663 creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio for most majors.
Business Administration leads the pack at $73,530 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI despite higher debt loads around $72,000. Computer Science also pays off strongly at $70,456. These two programs justify the investment at Willamette.
Law presents a serious financial risk. At $49,102 in median earnings against $162,945 in debt, you're looking at potentially crushing loan payments that could take decades to manage. Unless you have specific career plans that justify this debt load, avoid the law program.
Mathematics and Economics graduates earn in the low $40,000s and high $30,000s respectively. Economics keeps debt reasonable at $19,500, but Mathematics doesn't provide salary data for debt comparison. These majors work better as stepping stones to graduate school than standalone degrees.
Your biggest advantage is the low percentage receiving aid at just 21.80%. This suggests either generous merit aid or a student body that doesn't qualify for need-based aid. If you can secure merit scholarships, Willamette becomes an excellent value.
The 72.70% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students don't finish, creating significant financial risk if you struggle academically. The strong 86.42% retention rate suggests most students who stay past freshman year do complete their degrees.
Willamette works best if you're pursuing Business or Computer Science, can secure merit aid, and have strong academic performance. Look elsewhere if you're considering law school or need substantial financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Willamette University worth the cost?
Willamette's net price of $23,663 produces graduates earning $56,911 after 10 years, making it a decent value for most students. The relatively low median debt of $21,500 reduces financial risk compared to many private colleges.
What are the best paying majors at Willamette University?
Business Administration and Computer Science graduates earn over $70,000 annually, making these programs strong financial choices. Law graduates earn $49,102, while other majors like Mathematics and Economics produce lower returns around $40,000.
How much debt do Willamette University graduates typically have?
Willamette graduates have a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given the average earnings of $56,911. This debt-to-income ratio makes repayment feasible for most graduates.
Does Willamette University have good job placement after graduation?
With a 72.7% graduation rate and 80.6% acceptance rate, Willamette serves a broad range of students but doesn't guarantee strong outcomes for everyone. Business and tech majors see the best career results, while other programs may struggle to justify the investment.