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Oregon State University vs Willamette University

Oregon State University is a public university in Corvallis, OR. Willamette University is a private university in Salem, OR. Both admit about 77% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $19,604 a year at Oregon State University after aid, and about $25,121 at Willamette University. About 72% of students graduate at Willamette University, compared with 70% at Oregon State University. Ten years after enrolling, Oregon State University alumni earn a median of about $64,010, against $56,911 for Willamette University.

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Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public

Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Corvallis, OR
Salem, OR
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
30,743
1,592
Acceptance rate
77%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.7 avg
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1400
1240–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
28–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,604
$25,121
Full cost / yr
$31,653
$67,501
In-state tuition
$14,400
$51,156
Out-of-state tuition
$38,190
$51,156
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,107
$16,182
$30k - $48k
$13,036
$16,825
$48k - $75k
$15,729
$18,225
$75k - $110k
$20,262
$22,382
Over $110k
$27,459
$33,794
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
72%
Freshman retention
88%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,843
$38,932
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,010
$56,911
Median debt at graduation
$21,221
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
24%
First-generation students
31%
19%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Oregon State University or Willamette University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 77% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Oregon State University or Willamette University?
Oregon State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,604 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,121 at Willamette University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Oregon State University and Willamette University?
Before aid, Oregon State University costs about $31,653 a year and Willamette University about $67,501. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Oregon State University or Willamette University?
Oregon State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,107 there, against about $16,182 at Willamette University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Oregon State University or Willamette University?
Oregon State University is the larger of the two, with about 30,743 undergraduates against 1,592 at Willamette University.
Does Oregon State University or Willamette University have a better graduation rate?
Willamette University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 70% at Oregon State University.
Do graduates of Oregon State University or Willamette University earn more?
Oregon State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,010 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,911 for Willamette University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Oregon State University and Willamette University require SAT or ACT scores?
Oregon State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Willamette University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Oregon State University and Willamette University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1400 at Oregon State University and 1240–1440 at Willamette University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school