Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Willamette University, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 38% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 57th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (OR wage index 0.99). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Willamette University
Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $80,077 | $100,650 | -6% | #166 of 349 | #162 | — |
| Physics | — | $89,506 | +17% | #26 of 107 | #18 | $19,500 |
| Chemistry | — | $79,592 | +22% | #21 of 209 | #12 | $20,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,472 | $70,412 | +25% | #43 of 660 | #26 | $21,500 |
| Political Science and Government | $35,162 | $63,407 | +0% | #247 of 565 | #212 | $20,915 |
| Economics | $45,993 | $63,255 | -23% | #334 of 368 | #314 | $19,500 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | — | $59,337 | +9% | #131 of 610 | #156 | $25,343 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $28,697 | $54,657 | -1% | #138 of 265 | #114 | $21,750 |
| English Language and Literature | $32,863 | $50,060 | +3% | #253 of 576 | #238 | $20,250 |
| Biology | $25,100 | $45,197 | -21% | #787 of 841 | #797 | $23,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | — | $44,870 | -13% | #231 of 299 | #229 | — |
| Fine and Studio Arts | — | $32,256 | -22% | #391 of 423 | #390 | — |
| Psychology | $29,678 | — | — | — | — | $24,547 |
| Sociology | $29,312 | — | — | — | — | $21,791 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $27,044 | — | — | — | — | $21,511 |
| History | $22,555 | — | — | — | — | $17,375 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
The Willamette University Town Property Report
- Avg home value near campus: $375,844
- Avg rent near campus: $1,449/mo — vs ~$878/mo campus room rate
- Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 97351 (3.5% cap, Independence)
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🏆 Where Willamette University Ranks
Rankings based on Repit College Grade among schools offering each program.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $48,000 | $48,000 |
| Room | $7,900 | |
| Board | $7,590 | |
| Total Cost (On-Campus) | $67,501 | $67,501 |
Financial Aid
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Willamette University's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Willamette University?
How much does it cost to attend Willamette University?
What is the graduation rate at Willamette University?
Is Willamette University a good school?
- Outcomes (A): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (F): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (C+): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (A+): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (C): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Willamette University?
Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Willamette University — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →
🎓 Similar Colleges to Willamette University
Compare with other 4-Year private non-profit institutions of similar size.
Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology