Willamette University vs Western Oregon University
Willamette University is a private university in Salem, OR, and Western Oregon University is a public university in Monmouth, OR. Willamette University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 98% at Western Oregon University. Western Oregon University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,237 a year against $25,121 at Willamette University. About 72% of students graduate at Willamette University, compared with 46% at Western Oregon University. Ten years after enrolling, Willamette University alumni earn a median of about $56,911, against $51,815 for Western Oregon University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Salem, OR
Monmouth, OR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,592
3,103
Acceptance rate
77%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1440
868–1108
ACT (middle 50%)
28–33
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,121
$17,237
Full cost / yr
$67,501
$25,062
In-state tuition
$51,156
$11,879
Out-of-state tuition
$51,156
$32,534
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,182
$15,575
$30k - $48k
$16,825
$14,585
$48k - $75k
$18,225
$16,151
$75k - $110k
$22,382
$17,974
Over $110k
$33,794
$20,243
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
46%
Freshman retention
87%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,932
$42,537
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,911
$51,815
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$20,609
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
41%
First-generation students
19%
42%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling
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.
- Is Willamette University or Western Oregon University harder to get into?
- Willamette University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 98% at Western Oregon 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, Willamette University or Western Oregon University?
- Western Oregon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,237 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 Willamette University and Western Oregon University?
- Before aid, Western Oregon University costs about $25,062 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, Willamette University or Western Oregon University?
- Western Oregon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,575 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, Willamette University or Western Oregon University?
- Western Oregon University is the larger of the two, with about 3,103 undergraduates against 1,592 at Willamette University.
- Does Willamette University or Western Oregon University have a better graduation rate?
- Willamette University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 46% at Western Oregon University.
- Do graduates of Willamette University or Western Oregon University earn more?
- Willamette University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,911 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,815 for Western Oregon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Willamette University and Western Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Willamette University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Oregon University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Willamette University and Western Oregon University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1440 at Willamette University and 868–1108 at Western Oregon University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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