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 gives you a mixed financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit just under the median debt load by a wide margin, meaning most graduates carry manageable debt against modest pay. The 72.7% graduation rate and 86% retention mean you are likely to finish, which matters because dropping out with debt and no degree is the worst outcome. But the sticker at over $23k a year net is steep for the earnings that follow.
Your major decides everything here. Computer Science graduates clear $70k, nearly double what Romance Languages graduates earn at under $33k. Math, Economics, and Political Science all land in the high $30s to low $40s, which barely beats what many people earn without a bachelor's degree. If you enroll for CS, the math works. If you enroll for the humanities or social sciences listed here, you are paying private-school prices for public-school-or-worse earnings.
The regional risk is concrete. Salem and the broader Oregon market do not carry a deep tech or finance base, so the CS payoff often means leaving the area. The lower-earning majors leave you with debt around $20k and starting pay that makes repayment slow.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. Under $48k, you pay under $15k a year. Over $110k, you pay above $31k, more than double the low-income price. Families in the $75k-$110k band see a jump to nearly $25k, a real squeeze for middle earners without much aid cushion.
This school fits you if you plan to major in Computer Science and are willing to relocate for work. If you want a humanities or social science degree here and need to borrow, look hard at cheaper options first.
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.