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Pacific Northwest College of Art vs Willamette University

Pacific Northwest College of Art is a private college in Portland, OR, and Willamette University is a private university in Salem, OR. Pacific Northwest College of Art is the more selective of the two, admitting about 75% of applicants against 77% at Willamette University. Willamette University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,121 a year against $35,785 at Pacific Northwest College of Art. About 72% of students graduate at Willamette University, compared with 36% at Pacific Northwest College of Art. Ten years after enrolling, Willamette University alumni earn a median of about $56,911, against $34,883 for Pacific Northwest College of Art.

Pacific Northwest College of Art

Portland, OR · Private

Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Portland, OR
Salem, OR
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
420
1,592
Acceptance rate
75%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1240–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
28–33
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,785
$25,121
Full cost / yr
$70,376
$67,501
In-state tuition
$49,006
$51,156
Out-of-state tuition
$49,006
$51,156
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$28,219
$16,182
$30k - $48k
$30,517
$16,825
$48k - $75k
$30,916
$18,225
$75k - $110k
$36,998
$22,382
Over $110k
$44,522
$33,794
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
72%
Freshman retention
69%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$24,101
$38,932
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,883
$56,911
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
24%
First-generation students
18%
19%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 Pacific Northwest College of Art or Willamette University harder to get into?
Pacific Northwest College of Art is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 77% at Willamette University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Pacific Northwest College of Art or Willamette University?
Willamette University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,121 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,785 at Pacific Northwest College of Art. 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 Pacific Northwest College of Art and Willamette University?
Before aid, Willamette University costs about $67,501 a year and Pacific Northwest College of Art about $70,376. 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, Pacific Northwest College of Art or Willamette University?
Willamette University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,182 there, against about $28,219 at Pacific Northwest College of Art. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pacific Northwest College of Art or Willamette University?
Willamette University is the larger of the two, with about 1,592 undergraduates against 420 at Pacific Northwest College of Art.
Does Pacific Northwest College of Art or Willamette University have a better graduation rate?
Willamette University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 36% at Pacific Northwest College of Art.
Do graduates of Pacific Northwest College of Art or Willamette University earn more?
Willamette University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,911 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,883 for Pacific Northwest College of Art. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific Northwest College of Art and Willamette University require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific Northwest College of Art is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Willamette University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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