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Reed College vs Willamette University

Reed College is a private college in Portland, OR. Willamette University is a private university in Salem, OR. Reed College admits about 25% of applicants and Willamette University about 77%, making Reed College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $25,121 a year at Willamette University after aid, and about $33,013 at Reed College. About 74% of students graduate at Reed College, compared with 72% at Willamette University. Ten years after enrolling, Reed College alumni earn a median of about $62,927, against $56,911 for Willamette University.

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Reed College

Portland, OR · Private

Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Portland, OR
Salem, OR
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,320
1,592
Acceptance rate
25%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1290–1520
1240–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
28–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,013
$25,121
Full cost / yr
$86,376
$67,501
In-state tuition
$69,350
$51,156
Out-of-state tuition
$69,350
$51,156
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,674
$16,182
$30k - $48k
$12,514
$16,825
$48k - $75k
$14,513
$18,225
$75k - $110k
$23,421
$22,382
Over $110k
$46,711
$33,794
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
72%
Freshman retention
88%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,607
$38,932
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,927
$56,911
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
24%
First-generation students
Not reported
19%
International students
8%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Reed College or Willamette University harder to get into?
Reed College is harder to get into. It admits about 25% 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, Reed College or Willamette University?
Willamette University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,121 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,013 at Reed College. 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 Reed College and Willamette University?
Before aid, Willamette University costs about $67,501 a year and Reed College about $86,376. 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, Reed College or Willamette University?
Reed College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,674 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, Reed College or Willamette University?
Willamette University is the larger of the two, with about 1,592 undergraduates against 1,320 at Reed College.
Does Reed College or Willamette University have a better graduation rate?
Reed College has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 72% at Willamette University.
Do graduates of Reed College or Willamette University earn more?
Reed College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,927 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,911 for Willamette University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Reed College and Willamette University require SAT or ACT scores?
Reed College 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 Reed College and Willamette University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1290–1520 at Reed College 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