Willamette University
Salem, Oregon · Private Nonprofit · 77.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 59/100 · Below Average Value
Willamette University scores 59 (Below Average Value) on the CampusROI scale. Located in Salem, Oregon, with 1,592 students, Willamette is a small private liberal arts college with sticker tuition of $51,156 and net price of $25,121. Median 6-year earnings of $36,600 and a payback period of 11 years reflect the earnings profile typical of a selective Pacific Northwest liberal arts college. Completion rate is solid at 71.2% and the repayment rate of 83.6% is adequate. Median debt of $21,500 is moderate. The earnings premium of 0.218 is below average, meaning Willamette graduates earn roughly 22% more than workers without a college degree -- not a strong earnings differentiator. The strongest programs by Scorecard data are Physics (10 grads, B+, $89,506 yr4), Computer Science (5 grads, $80,077 yr1 -- tiny sample), Chemistry (13 grads, B+), and Economics (49 grads, B). The weakest are Biology (31 grads, D), Psychology (24 grads, D), Sociology (17 grads, D), and History (7 grads, D). Multiple programs have debt-to-earnings ratios above 0.80. Willamette's ROI challenge is structural: the net price is high relative to the regional Oregon employment market, and the liberal arts curriculum does not consistently produce high early-career earnings.
Willamette University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $51,156/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $51,156/yr |
| Average net price | $25,121/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $100,484 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,911 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 11 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 71.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,592 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Willamette University is $51,156/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $25,121/year, or roughly $100,484 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $16,182/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $33,794/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $56,911 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.59 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,182 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,825 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,225 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,382 |
| $110,001+ | $33,794 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $16,182 per year. Against $36,600 median 6-year earnings and an 11-year payback, the low-income case is workable only for students in science or economics tracks. Biology, psychology, and humanities at this price produce difficult repayment profiles. The 71.2% completion rate is solid but one in four enrollees does not graduate.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $18,225 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $22,382. At $22,382 for upper-middle-income families, the financial case requires program selection discipline. Economics and science track students can justify this cost; humanities track students face a challenging 11-year payback relative to peers at Oregon public universities.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $33,794 per year -- roughly $135,000 over four years. Against $36,600 median 6-year earnings and an 11-year payback, the financial case at full cost is weak by Scorecard metrics. High-income families choosing Willamette are prioritizing Salem's proximity to Portland, Pacific Northwest culture, and the residential liberal arts experience over financial optimization.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Willamette University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $63,255 | B |
| International Relations | $63,407 | C |
| Biology | $45,197 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $59,337 | B |
| Psychology | $29,678 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $70,412 | D |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $54,657 | D |
| English Language and Literature | $50,060 | C |
| Sociology | $29,312 | D |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $32,256 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Physics
Physics (10 graduates) reaches $89,506 at year four (no year-one figure), with a B+ grade (debt-to-earnings 0.257, median debt $22,989). Small sample size limits statistical reliability but the four-year figure is strong, reflecting physics graduates in technology, engineering, and research roles in Oregon and beyond. The debt ratio of 0.257 is well-managed.
Economics
Economics (49 graduates) earns $45,993 year one and $63,255 at year four, with a B grade (debt-to-earnings 0.424, median debt $19,500). Year-one earnings are the strongest reported for a humanities-adjacent program at Willamette. The debt ratio of 0.424 is manageable. Economics graduates likely enter Oregon finance, consulting, and government roles. The four-year progression is consistent with meaningful career advancement.
International Relations
International Relations (35 graduates) earns $35,162 year one and $63,407 at year four, with a C grade (debt-to-earnings 0.607, median debt $21,331). Year-one earnings are modest but the four-year jump to $63k is strong for a social science, suggesting IR graduates progress into government, NGO, or private sector international roles. The C grade reflects the structural gap between year-one IR salaries and debt.
Biology
Biology (31 graduates) earns $25,100 year one and $45,197 at year four, with a D grade (debt-to-earnings 0.991, median debt $24,870). Year-one earnings are poor and the debt-to-earnings ratio approaches 1.0 -- essentially a dollar of debt for every dollar earned. Biology at Willamette is a heavily pre-professional track; many graduates pursue graduate or professional school. Students taking on debt here for biology should factor in the additional debt load from medical or graduate school.
Psychology
Psychology (24 graduates) earns $29,678 year one (no year-four data), with a D grade (debt-to-earnings 0.827, median debt $24,547). Year-one earnings are weak relative to the debt load. Psychology at a small private with a $25,121 net price requires either graduate school advancement or significant career pivoting to reach financial stability. The repayment trajectory from this starting point is difficult.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 79.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 83.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 87.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 90.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 77.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 600-710 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 640-730 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 28-33 |
| Enrollment | 1,592 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 23.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,083 |
At 77.1%, Willamette is broadly accessible for a private liberal arts college. SAT 600-710 Math and 640-730 Reading is consistent with moderately selective small privates. ACT 28-33 composite. Admission is not a competitive barrier for most well-prepared applicants. Willamette evaluates academic preparation and fit with its liberal arts mission. Geographic diversity and demonstrated academic curiosity are factors in its holistic review.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include George Fox University, Oklahoma City University, and University of Evansville. Willamette's ROI of 59 is above George Fox (ROI 57) and similar to other small Pacific Northwest private colleges. Among Oregon private colleges in this batch, Willamette's completion and repayment rates are stronger than most. The institution's challenge relative to peers is a $25,121 net price against $36,600 median earnings -- a structural difficulty it shares with many small liberal arts colleges outside elite tier endowment ranges.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willamette University (this school) | 59 | $25,121 | $56,911 |
| University of Evansville | 58 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| Oklahoma City University | 58 | $22,857 | $54,655 |
| St. Francis College | 57 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| George Fox University | 57 | $31,679 | $59,761 |
| New Hope Christian College-Eugene | 22 | $21,600 | $31,115 |
Who Thrives Here
Willamette admits 77.1% of applicants. SAT mid-ranges are 600-710 Math and 640-730 Reading; ACT 28-33. Enrollment of 1,592 is small. Pell grant rate of 23.6% indicates a primarily middle- and upper-income student body. Willamette is the oldest university in the Pacific Northwest and draws students who value a traditional residential liberal arts experience with proximity to Oregon state government (the campus is adjacent to the state capitol). Students with clear professional or pre-professional goals in science or business fare better by the data than those in humanities-heavy tracks.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Willamette University is mixed. At $25,121 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $56,911 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
The data highlights several strengths: a 71.2% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $21,500 against $56,911 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
NewsletterCollege decisions are better with data.
New analyses, updated school profiles, and tools - when there’s something worth acting on.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.