Situated among the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Willamette's campus offers an intimate learning environment with small class sizes and award-winning faculty. As the first university in the West, Willamette features deep ties to the community and surrounding area that has been built around it.
Our motto, "Not unto ourselves alone are we born," inspires students, alumni, and faculty to consider the impact they will have on their community and set goals that will set them on a path toward leading a life of meaning.
Willamette faculty members have been named Oregon's Professor of the Year a record 11 times since 1990 and our comprehensive approach to academics balances independent inquiry and collaborative exploration with our academic hearths. The hearths are physical spaces lined by faculty offices designed for studying and both formal and informal discussions among students and faculty.
Students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities, volunteering, and the many student-run clubs and organizations. It is our mission to prepare students to be engaged with the world around them and promote the common good toward a better future.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Hayden Dentinger
Campus Visit Coordinator
Campus Visit Coordinator
Address
Office of Admission
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
Phone
503-375-5367
Email
bearcat@willamette.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Montag Student Center
Sparks Sports and Recreation Center
Willamette Bistro
Mill Stream on campus
Montag Student Center
Sparks Sports and Recreation Center
Willamette Bistro
Mill Stream on campus
Most Popular Places Off Campus
State Capitol - across from campus
Riverfront Park
Silver Falls State Park
downtown Salem (shops, theatres, etc.)
Bush's Pasture Park
Riverfront Park
Silver Falls State Park
downtown Salem (shops, theatres, etc.)
Bush's Pasture Park
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8am-5pm
503-375-5367
8am-5pm
503-375-5367
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
daily
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
2 weeks
Contact Email Address for Visit
bearcat@willamette.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
Academic year only
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Portland International Airport is 60 miles from campus. Groome Transportation offers regular transportation from the Portland airport to Salem. Amtrak offers daily north/south train service to Salem; the station is across the street from the southeast corner of the campus. Greyhound buses serve Salem from throughout the U.S.
Driving Instructions to Campus
From I-5 (N. or S.), take the Hwy. 22/Mission St. exit and travel approximately 2 miles west to the City Center/Willamette University exit. The off-ramp takes you to the southeast corner of campus. Keep to the left and proceed through the traffic signal on Pringle Parkway which borders the south side of campus. Turn right at Winter St. and immediately right into the Guest and Visitor parking lot.
Local Accommodations
Salem has a variety of accommodations all within easy proximity to campus. Rates range from moderate to inexpensive for university visitors depending on time of year and number of guests. The Grand Hotel (201 North Liberty Street SE; 503-540-7800)is located downtown (a short walk to campus) and includes a buffet breakfast, health club and pool. The Best Western-Mill Creek Inn (3125 Ryan Dr. S.E.; 503-585-3332) is 5 miles from campus and easily accessed from Interstate 5. Price includes a free breakfast at Denny's, health club privileges, pool and sauna. Additional hotels include the Phoenix Inn (4310 Commercial St. SE; 503-588-9220), Salem Inn (1775 Freeway Ct. N.E.; 503-588-0515), and Comfort Suites (630 Hawthorne Ave. S.E.; 503-585-9705). Salem also boasts a number of unique and charming bed and breakfast establishments. For additional information on those, please contact the Office of Admission (503-370-6303).
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Willamette University is a Common Application exclusive institution. We use the Common Application because it collects a broad range of academic and extracurricular information about potential Bearcats and simplifies the process for our applicants. School counselors submit official transcripts through the Common Application.
To ensure adequate academic preparation for success in Willamette's rigorous curriculum, we recommend the following pattern of secondary school coursework:
- Four years of English
- Four years of mathematics (including algebra, geometry and trigonometry)
- Four years of social science coursework
- Three to four years of lab-based science coursework
- Two to four years of a foreign language
School counselors may submit School Report Forms and Recommendations through the Common Application.
Willamette offers test-optional admission, but if you do decide to report your standardized test scores then you must submit your official score report(s). Please note that students attending secondary schools that print SAT and/or ACT scores on official transcripts do not need to submit score reports from either testing agency.
If you take the SAT and/or ACT more than once, the Admission Committee will review your highest test scores from each section, resulting in what is widely known as a superscore.
Overview
Applicants: 3,680
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Average HS GPA: 3.97
GPA Breakdown
76%
4.0
15%
3.75 - 3.99
8%
3.50 - 3.74
1%
3.00 - 3.24
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
620 - 700
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
570 - 710
SAT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1200 - 1400
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
32 - 35
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Early Action — November 15
Regular — February 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Class Rank
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Willamette offers more than 50 academic programs that open the door to countless opportunities for artistic expression and in-depth exploration. We provide more than 75 grants annually for undergraduate research, and you can put your ideas to work in professional internships and study abroad experiences that speak directly to your interests.
Majors and Degrees Offered
With an interdisciplinary, liberal arts foundation, Willamette offers undergraduate degrees in the social and natural sciences, humanities, business, and politics. Accelerated programs in business, data science, and law allow you to save a year of schooling, completing your bachelor's and professional degrees in less time.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
10:1
Total Faculty
232
with Terminal Degree
211
124
Men
108
Women
51
Minority
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
2 - 9
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Chinese Studies.
Japanese Studies.
Latin American Studies.
Women's Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication and Media Studies, Other.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Comparative Literature.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Public Health, General.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, Other.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
International/Global Studies.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Archeology.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Keyboard Instruments.
Music Pedagogy.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Stringed Instruments.
Voice and Opera.
Students Say
Traditional academics are strong at Willamette, but perhaps what stands out most is that “learning opportunities outside of the classroom are endless.” Located right across the street from the Oregon state capitol, there are countless “leadership opportunities and student research opportunities.” Professors here are “very willing to help students find internships, jobs and research opportunities.” In the classroom, those same professors are “incredible resources” who “are all very dedicated to their classes rather than research or outside obligations,” and who provide classes that “are interesting and varied.” You will be challenged, but only with the goal of helping you succeed. As one student notes, “I have felt intellectually pushed outside my comfort zone while still being incredibly supported in all of my academic classes.” Another noticed that “my professors are not looking to fail me or weed me out of classes; they just believe in me, and want me to excel.” These educators “make their material relevant” and tend to be “passionate about their subject.” Classes are “often discussion-based, not lecture-based, so students are not just regurgitating information they hear from a professor, but working with the material and exploring their own thoughts and ideas.” Overall, the environment here “encourages growth and development, both inside and outside the classroom,” which one student says is “unique to a small Liberal Arts school.”
Degrees
Bachelor's
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Internship
Notable Faculty
Jerry Gray
Dr., Economics
Bill Duvall
Dr., History
Hekun Wu
Dr., Music
Julie Abendroth-Smith
Dr., Exercise Science
Olympia Vernon
Hallie Ford Writer-in-Residence, English
Prominent Alumni
Lisa Murkowski
U.S. Senator, Alaska
Mark O. Hatfield
U.S. Senator for 30 years
Jay Inslee
Governor, Washington State
Jim Albaugh
CEO, Boeing Space and Communications Division
Rod Wendt
President & CEO, Jeld-Wen Inc.
Paul De Muniz
Chief Justice, Oregon Supreme Court
Neil Hutchinson
Director of NASA Space Station Program
Academic Rating
93/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Willamette students are surrounded by professional opportunity. Though hometown Salem might not be a bustling metropolis, undergrads insist that plenty of job possibilities exist, especially given that “the capitol [building is] across the street to one side, and the [Salem] hospital to the other.” Moreover, students don't have to go the search alone. Indeed, “professors are very willing to help students find internships, jobs and research opportunities.” And undergrads can surely turn to Career Services as well. The office provides everything from job postings to résumé advice. Additionally, students who are unsure of the professional path they want to pursue can receive career counseling and testing. And all undergrads may use the office to connect with successful alumni. Lastly, PayScale.com reports that the average starting salary for Willamette alums is $47,700.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Tuition: $45,000
Room and Board: $14,390
Fees: $260
Books and supplies (estimated): $1,094
Financial Aid
Our average annual financial aid package is $40,466. The financial aid process is influenced by the quality of your academic record, extracurricular engagement, life experiences and the extent of your financial resources. We are proud to award competitive financial aid packages. 100% of our Willamette University students annually receive financial aid.
Average financial aid package (including all forms of financial aid): $40,466
Average financial aid package (including only scholarships & grants): $34,647
Students who receive financial aid: 100%
Average amount students borrow: $23,000 (source https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?210401-Willamette-University)
Dates
Application Deadlines
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$23,778
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$24,728
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,390
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
57%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$26,741
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$20,530
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$45,000
Required Fees
$428
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,094
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$1,951
Transportation for Commuters
$1,132
On-Campus Room and Board
$14,240
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Federal Perkins Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
86/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
More than 75% of Willamette's students come from California, Washington, and Oregon. Dozens of other states are represented as well, and students from Tokyo International University of America add a cultural dimension to the campus community. Students are passionate about pursuing their academic interests across disciplines and being civically engaged. Thirty-one percent of the student population is racially or ethnically diverse.
There are more than 80 clubs and organizations on campus, including the Outdoor Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Men's and Women's Rugby, Willamette Events Board, Black Student Union, Willamette Dance Company, Rainbow Alliance, Zena Farm Club, and the Bearcat Pantry.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
1,237
Foreign Countries Represented
5
Demographics
5.40%
Asian
1.77%
Black
14.17%
Hispanic
65.94%
Caucasian
3.46%
Unknown
58% female
42% male
70% are out of state
97% are full time
3% are part time
Students Say
Given the nature of life on campus, it should come as no surprise that “a typical Willamette student is excited to learn, to explore, and be an active participant within the community.” Students here are “interested in helping others through academic tutoring and community service,” a group who tend to be “accepting, politically involved, and civic minded.” Individuals vary—“students embrace the idea of being unique and proud of it”—but almost all are “academically driven, balanced with social endeavors, and eager to mix in with other students.” Most are “from the West Coast,” “friendly and open,” and, of course, very busy. “Almost all students are involved in multiple things.” This common need to be doing things ensures students “share a friendliness that's evident the moment you step onto campus.” As one student notes, to get the most out of Willamette, “you have to be willing to challenge yourselves and others, and be accepting of the community you are a part of.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Willamette University is located in downtown Salem, Oregon, the second largest city in the state, and is sandwiched between the State Capitol and the one the region's largest hospitals. Oregon's scenic mountains and coastline, as well as Portland, a cultural center of the Pacific Northwest, are all an hour from campus.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Willamette has outstanding athletic and academic facilities. These include a laser laboratory, greenhouse, several stadiums and sports arenas, a cadaver laboratory, a large telescope at the 305-acre outdoor learning laboratory and forest at Zena, and fitness center. Willamette also features acoustically exceptional music venues, a digital media and music lab, a flexible theatre space, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and a state-of-the-art campus theatre for film studies.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Willamette offers a robust outdoor program that allows you to choose from more than 25 excursions throughout the year. You can spend time at our 305-acre forest laboratory at Zena just a few miles from campus and engage in internships and research opportunities with public, private, and non-profit organizations in the surrounding area. Within walking distance of campus are locally owned coffee shops, restaurants, and vintage stores.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
57%
Help finding off-campus housing
No
90/99
First-Year Students living on campus
93%
Campus Environment
Small Urban
98/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Dorms Coed
Other
Other
Students Say
“Lots of intellectual discussions,” a thriving Greek life, pursuing “social justice” and “social causes,” and just plain being busy are the core of life at Willamette. On this campus, “there is a lot of emphasis on how to make an impact on the community and the school as a whole.” Indeed, “students are involved in a variety of organizations on campus and off that concern these types of issues,” which is not difficult given the school’s close proximity to Oregon’s seat of government. Students here “often think about politics, civic duties, and volunteering,” filling their time with “philanthropic events, house parties, or outdoor trips.” This isn’t limited to a minority of students, either. “Very few students only attend class; most have three or more activities they are involved in.” Less intellectual pursuits are within range, though may be something of a drive. Portland and all its quirky culture is a close forty minutes away, while the Oregon coast and Mount Hood are about two hours away. But students don’t need to venture far. “There is so much to see and do in the Willamette Valley that students have opportunities to do pretty much anything.”
Special Needs Admissions
Director
Sue Minder
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
107
Number of Honor Societies
7
Number of Social Sororities
4
Number of Religious Organizations
5
16% join a fraternity
13% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
30% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Bearcats)
10 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Bearcats)
11 Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Western Oregon University
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Portland
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Western Oregon University
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Portland
Sustainability
Willamette shares a robust vision of sustainability through its “Four E’s” approach: “Education,” teaching ecological literacy; “Environment,” creating a smaller ecologic footprint; “Equity,” social justice; and “Economics,” sustainable campus operations. The university recently formed its Sustainability Institute and hired a full-time director to administer a host of academic, co-curricular and operational initiatives. This includes management of Willamette’s 305-acre Zena Forest property. At Zena, students take advantage of diverse experiences and research opportunities — from sustainable forestry to art, writing, astrophysics and more. One student built a wind turbine. Others worked with a professor to write a book about the history of Zena Forest. Another used Zena’s observatory to study a pulsating star. Students are working now on interpretive maps for visitors. Students can borrow outdoor gear, check out a bike from the on-campus bike shop, join a range of clubs involved in environmental and social justice issues, and apply for funding to support their own projects or research interests. A Flex Car program encourages students to use alternate modes of transportation, and the plentiful, student-led Campus Recreation trips use school vans. With so much happening on and near campus, many students forego personal vehicles altogether while attending. Willamette is dedicated to decreasing its carbon footprint. The newest campus building is LEED-certified, and the university is accredited by Oregon Tilthe for its sustainable landscaping practices. Recent eco-friendly installations include a range of energy efficient lighting and utility upgrades, photo-voltaic panels, solar hot water heating, rainwater reclamation for flushing toilets, low-flow plumbing fixtures, water bottle filling stations and the use of wind power offsets.
80/99
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
No
Public GHG inventory plan
No
% food budget spent on local/organic food
29%
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Yes
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
No
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
No
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
No
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
Yes
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
No
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Yes
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
No
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Apple
Dell
