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Willamette University

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VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1842
Founded
1842
Type
Private (Not for Profit)

About Willamette University

Established in 1842, Willamette University was the first university in the West. It is now a full grown private institution serving 1,868 students. The student body has around 71% out of state students and 7% international students. It is one of the leading institutions for liberal arts and sciences in the U.S. The university provides undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in Arts and Sciences, Business and Management, Computation and Data Science, Law, Art and Design.

Admissions to Willamette University take place in the Fall and Spring semesters. Undergraduate applicants can apply through the Common Application while graduate applicants can complete the online application available on the university website. There is no application fee for both applications. The deadline for undergraduate admission in Fall is January 15 and the Spring deadline is November 1. Graduate programs have varying deadlines while some programs accept applications on a rolling basis. SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission to undergraduate programs. Graduate applicants must submit GRE or GMAT scores for admission to MBA programs while LSAT scores are required for entry to the College of Law programs. Recommendations play an important role in admission to Willamette University. The acceptance rate for fall undergraduate admission was 80%.

The tuition fee for undergraduate programs of the College of Art and Sciences is 43,500 USD. The MBA program tuition fee is 44,900 USD and the tuition fee for College of Law programs is 47,130 USD. The financial aid packages of the university combine scholarships, loans, grants, work-study and need-based aid. International students are eligible to receive merit-based and competitive scholarships. The university has a residential campus that offers on-campus accommodation to students with rent ranging between 3,575 USD to 4,625 USD.

Willamette University is ranked among the top Oregon schools in the U.S. News and World Report and also among the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” and “Best Value Schools”. Princeton Review has also recognized Willamette among “Best Value Colleges” for quality of education, affordability and alumni success after graduation. Willamette University has made its mark among the top private universities in the Pacific Northwest.

Willamette University Rankings

The latest rankings of Willamette University are as follows:

  • The university ranked in the following 3 categories in the U.S. News and World Report:
    • #72 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
    • #97 in Best Value Schools
    • #103 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
  • In THE rankings, the university ranked 155th in the U.S. College Rankings.

Highlights

Type of Establishment Private
Location Salem, Oregon
Campus Setting Urban
Mode of Program Full-time/ Part-time
Total Enrollment 1,868
% of International Students 7%
Application Portal UG: Common Application; PG: Online Application
Application Fees None
Test Score Accepted SAT/ ACT/ GRE/ GMAT
Basic Tuition Fee for International Undergraduate Students 43,500 USD
Basic Tuition Fee for International Graduate Students 44,900 USD
Financial Aid Scholarships
Official Website https://willamette.edu/

Willamette University Campus

The main campus of Willamette University is located next to the State Capitol in Salem.

  • The university has a campus in downtown Portland which is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art that offers undergraduate programs in arts and design.
  • The College of Art campus is home to 13 labs and facilities and 15 art galleries and museums.
  • The Theatre department of the university organizes three to four plays, dance concerts and various student organized projects throughout the year.
  • The university has an active athletic participation and utilizes facilities such as Cone Field House, Sparks Fitness Center, Spec Keene Stadium, McCulloch Stadium, etc.
  • Students in Salem can hike at the Silver Falls State Park, enjoy Oregon’s scenic coastline or mountain or river adventure, walk through the streets of Hawthorne District or indulge in the summer concert in Salem’s Riverfront Park among a myriad of other activities.

Willamette University Accommodation

Willamette University offers various housing options in the Eastside Area, Westside Area and Kaneko Commons.

  • First year students are offered accommodation in Baxter Hall, Belknap Hall, Cascadia House, Matthews Hall, Northwood Hall, Southwood Hall, Westwood Hall and Terra House.
  • The 4th floor of Baxter Hall and the Matthews Hall are reserved for women only.
  • Westwood Hall is a male-only accommodation for first year students.
  • The rooms in residence halls feature bed, desk and chair, dresser, closet space, bookcase, blinds, data port, smoke detector, etc.
  • The residence halls provide various facilities such as coin-operated laundry, full kitchen, bike storage, lounge spaces, common area, vending machine, Wi-Fi connection, etc.

The room rates are given in the table below:

Residence Hall Rates per Semester (in USD)
Standard Single 4,075
Standard Double 3,575
Standard Triple 3,835
Single with Private Bathroom 4,400
Double with Private Bathroom 3,750
Double with Private Bathroom and Kitchenette 4,200
Kaneko Single with Private Bathroom 4,625
Kaneko Single with Shared Bathroom 4,175
Kaneko Double with Private Bathroom 3,850
Kaneko 3-Bedroom Suite with Shared Bathroom 4,200
Double as a Single 4,400

Willamette University Programs

Willamette University offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels in arts and sciences, business, management, computation, data science, art and design.

  • Programs offered by Willamette University are organized into 5 colleges and schools:
    • College of Arts and Sciences
    • College of Law
    • Atkinson Graduate School of Management
    • Computing and Data Sciences
    • Pacific Northwest College of Art
  • The university offers outstanding undergraduate programs in art history and studio art.
  • It is home to the oldest law school in the Northwest that offers programs in Business Law, Public Service, International Law, Health Law and Advocacy.
  • The university is top ranked in Oregon for its graduate programs that include MBA, MS in Data Science, MA and MFA in writing, arts, critical studies, etc.
  • The Computing and Data Sciences division provides the most in-demand majors with an opportunity to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just 4 years.
  • Some of the most popular majors offered by the university include Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Natural Resources and Conservation among others.
  • The Claremont School of Theology and Tokyo International University are affiliated schools of the university.

Willamette University Admission Process

Willamette University accepts applications for the fall and spring semesters. Application for admission is free and can be submitted online. The university has a less selective admission policy with an acceptance rate of 80% (as of fall).

How to Apply?

Details of the process of admission to Willamette University are summarized below:

Application Portal: Undergraduate - Common Application; Graduate - Online Application
Application Fee: None mentioned

Application Deadline:
The application deadline for international undergraduate students are given in the table below:

Admission Event Fall Semester Spring Semester
Application Deadline January 15 November 1
Document Submission Deadline January 22 November 1
Admission Decision March 1 December 1
Enrollment Deposit May 1 January 1

Admission Requirements:
The following documents must be submitted along with the application for admission to undergraduate programs:

  • Academic records from secondary and post-secondary institutions attended
  • School Report Forms and Recommendations
  • SAT/ ACT scores or apply for test-optional admission
  • Teacher Evaluation (optional)
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Copy of photo ID page of passport
  • Financial Guarantee Statement

The requirements for admission to graduate programs are as follows:

  • A completed bachelor’s degree from a U.S. accredited institution
  • At least 3 years of full-time, professional work experience for admission to the MBA program
  • Official transcripts of all previous academic coursework
  • Personal statement
  • Professional resume with details of achievements and awards
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Admission interview
  • GMAT or GRE scores for MBA program

English Language Requirements

International students must submit one of the following test scores as proof of English language proficiency for admission to Willamette University:

Test Minimum Requirements
TOEFL-iBT 83
TOEFL-PBT 560
TOEFL-CBT 220
IELTS 6.5
PTE 60
Duolingo 105

Willamette University Cost of Attendance

The annual undergraduate tuition and fee for the College of Arts and Science students at Willamette University are given below:

Expense Amount (in USD)
Tuition 43,500
Fees 856
Health Insurance 3,966
Room and Board 13,700
Books and Supplies 1,042
Total 63,064

The tuition and fees for full-time programs offered at the College of Law are as follows:

Expense Amount (in USD)
Tuition 47,130
Fees 390
Living Expenses 17,352
CAFES Fee 50
Books and Supplies 1,784
Health Insurance 3,966
Total 70,672

The table given below represents the cost of attendance for the full-time MBA program at Willamette University:

Expense Amount (in USD)
Tuition 44,900
Fees 390
Health Insurance 3,358
Living Expenses 15,000
Books and Supplies 1,200
Total 64,848

Willamette University Financial Aid

Around 99% of the students at Willamette University receive financial aid in some form. The university has dedicated over 42 million USD in institutional scholarships.

  • The university offers various merit-based and competitive scholarships to students.
  • All admitted undergraduate students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships up to 20,000 USD at the time of admission.
  • Competitive scholarships in music, debate, theatre and STEM are awarded following a competitive application and selection process.
Name of Scholarship Eligibility Value (in USD)
Willamette Merit Scholarships for First-Year Students Applicants seeking admission to the university as a first year student will be considered for this scholarship based on academic performance and other factors of the candidate’s application. 20,000
STEM Scholarships Awarded to students participating in biology, chemistry, computer science, exercise and health science, mathematics or physics programs 8,150 USD
Debate Scholarships Recipients are selected on the basis of the Debate Scholarship application and interview with the debate coach. Varies
Music Scholarships Candidate is selected on the basis of the Music Scholarship application and recorded video audition. Varies
Theatre Scholarships Recipients are chosen on the basis of Theatre Scholarship application and audition or portfolio review. Varies
Arts Scholarships Awarded to students who demonstrate potential in studio art mediums, declare an art minor and contribute to a studio art program. Varies
  • Partial merit scholarships are awarded to LLM applicants at the time of admission based on previous academic records and professional experience.
  • International students may also be eligible for private scholarships to study in the U.S.

Willamette University Alumni

Willamette University proudly boasts of being home to a Nobel prize winner, 11 Oregon Supreme Court Justices, 27 Governors, Senators and Representatives and more than 1,800 future leaders. Among the university’s alumni are notable artists, scientists, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and changemakers.

  • The alumni network of the university comprises over 30,000 members. Some notable alumni of Willamette University are:
    • Jay Inslee - Governor of Washington
    • Mark Hatfield - Former United States Senator
    • Paul De Muniz - Former Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court
    • Lisa Murkowski - United States Senator
    • Virginia Linder - Former Associate Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court
  • The benefits available to Willamette alumni are as follows:
    • Employee Store Pass for Nike, Adidas and Columbia
    • Full access to the Mark O. Hatfield Library
    • Monthly offers and discounts from Dell
    • Discounted membership of the Sparks Athletic Center
    • Opportunity to attend undergraduate classes through the Academic Listener Program
    • 20% discount on Hallie Ford Museum membership
    • Benefits from the Alumni Travel Insurance Program
    • Estate Planning
    • Virtual alumni events through virtual lectures, videos, podcasts, etc.
    • Access to alumni networking tools

Willamette University Placements

The Career Development Center of Willamette University helps students in job and internship search, resume and cover letter writing, polishing interview skills, etc. Students can also access career communities and specific career resources that help in networking and also shortlist graduate and professional schools.

  • 84% of the graduates of the Atkinson Graduate School of Management received a job offer within 3 months from graduation.
  • Some of the top employers of MBA graduates are Accenture, Adidas, Amazon, Apple Computer, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Ford, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi Consulting, Intel Corporation, Johnson and Johnson, Microsoft, Nike, Starbucks, etc.
  • Around 55% students engage in internships while studying at Willamette.
  • The average mid-career salary of the College of Arts and Sciences graduates is 111,000 USD per year.
  • Data Science graduates of the university are highly valued among employers. Companies recruiting data science graduates include IBM, Amazon, Adobe, Yelp, Root, Stitch Fix, etc. The average salary of graduates is estimated to be 95,998 USD to 120,495 USD.

According to Payscale, the average salaries of Willamette University graduates are given in the table below:

Job Title Average Salary (in USD)
Business Intelligence Analyst 85,000
Executive Director 70,000
Financial Analyst 62,500
Project Manager 61,935
Marketing Manager 60,000
Research Coordinator 57,584
Program Manager Non-Profit Organization 38,914

Willamette University is an excellent institution for pursuing education in liberal arts and sciences. The university has a blend of local and global communities which make it ideal for international students studying in the U.S. Among a range of accomplishments, Willamette is also well-known for being a good value institution and preparing students for successful careers.

FAQs

Ques. Is Willamette University a good institution?

Ans. Willamette University nationally ranks 72nd among Liberal Arts Institutions in the U.S. News and World Report.

Ques. What is Willamette University known for?

Ans. Willamette University is known for its programs in art history and studio art. Its graduate programs in MBA, MS in Data Sciences, MA and MFA in Arts, Writing and Critical Studies are also popular in Oregon.

Ques. What GPA do you need to get into Willamette University?

Ans. Willamette University does not specify minimum GPA requirements for admission. However, applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0.

Ques. Is it hard to get into Willamette University?

Ans. Willamette University has a less selective admission policy. Admission to the university is based on high school GPA, academic records, recommendations and English language proficiency. In fall, the university had an acceptance rate of 80%.

Ques. What is the tuition for Willamette University?

Ans. The tuition fee for undergraduate programs offered at the College of Arts and Sciences is 43,500 USD. The MBA program tuition fee is 44,900 USD. The tuition fee for College of Law programs is 47,130 USD.

Ques. Is Willamette Law a good school?

Ans. The College of Law of Willamette University ranks among the top 147-193 in Best Law Schools in the U.S. News and World Report.

Ques. Does Willamette University require SAT scores?

Ans. SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission to Willamette University. It is upon the applicant to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores or not. It is advisable to submit test scores if it accurately reflects your academic potential.

Ques. Is Willamette Law School hard to get into?

Ans. Willamette Law School is moderately selective in terms of admission. Students can expect to get in as long as they have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above and LSAT score of 152 or above.

Ques. What division is Willamette University?

Ans. Willamette University is a member of NCAA division III.

Ques. Does Willamette University have an application fee?

Ans. No, Willamette University does not charge application fees from applicants.

Courses & Fees

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Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 39.7 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 42,400 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression

Admission Process

Willamette University offers admission to international students in the Fall and Spring seasons. It has a lightly selective admission policy with an acceptance rate of 78%. International students pursue around 70 undergraduate programs at Willamette University across arts and science. Through the two graduate colleges for specific programs, the university offers MBA and LLM in USA to the international students. International students need no application fee for applying to Willamette University. 

The university is test-optional for admission to undergraduate programs and has no minimum requirement of the US standardized test scores. However, the graduate programs require competitive GRE or GMAT scores that can be waived with the demonstration of excellent academic records. Other major admission requirement for the graduate programs in the university includes a personal interview and relevant work experience. Around 55% students in the university get the opportunity to join various internship opportunities. The university offers financial aid to both undergraduate and graduate students through renewable scholarships for Indian students in USA

Highlights

Application Portal Online- Common Application
Application Fee Not applicable
Acceptance Rate 78%
Average SAT Score Optional
Average ACT Score Optional
Academic Calendar Semester-wise
Intake Seasons Fall and Spring
Financial Aid Merit-based scholarship, competitive scholarships, need-based grants
Work Experience For professional graduate courses (mention in the resume)
Interview Required for some courses
Inquiry mail Undergraduate admissions- [email protected]
Law admissions- [email protected]
MBA admissions- [email protected]

Willamette University Admission Deadlines

Willamette University admission has stringent deadlines of early action, early decision and regular decision. However, after the regular decision deadline, no application is considered for that academic cycle. The university accepts applications from transfer students throughout the year.  The admission deadlines for the graduate programs are course-specific. Below are the admission deadlines for the undergraduate programs at Willamette University:

Application Type Application Deadline Admission Decision Enrollment Deposit Due
Early Action (Non-binding) November 15 December 30 May 1
Early Decision (Binding) November 15 December 30 February 15
Regular Decision (Non-binding) February 1 March 1 May 1

Willamette University International Students Admissions

The university invites applications from multiple countries as well and has noted a considerably high rate in success of these candidates at the institute. International students are required to submit the record of their academic trajectory, namely the academic work, transcripts, etc. in order to maintain their performance in the academic career. The academic records, along with the English proficiency test and financial support proof play an integral role in admission.

Admission Portal: Online application and common application for undergraduate programs. LLM form PDF can be downloaded, filled and submitted at [email protected].

Admission Fee: The application fee is not required for admission. However, students must deposit a sum of 500 USD after receiving the acceptance letter to reserve their seat at the university.

Basic Admission Requirements:

The general requirements that International candidates need to fulfill for admission at Willamette University are stated below-

  • A complete application.
  • Official transcripts of high-school or college.
  • LOR.
  • English Proficiency Scores.
  • SAT or ACT score (optional).
  • Passport photo identification page.
  • Financial guarantee statement.

Students need to mail all the admission material to the concerned school mail address.

  • For College of Liberal Arts, the mail should be addressed to Willamette University, CLA Admission Office, 900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301, Fax: +1-503-375-5363
  • For Atkinson Graduate School of Management, the mail should be addressed at Willamette University MBA for Professionals, 905 NW 12th Avenue, Suite 110, Portland, Oregon 97209
  • For College of Law, address the mail at Willamette University, 245, Winter Street SE, Salem Oregon 97301, (503) 370-6282

Willamette University Application Process

Aspirants should strictly follow the admission process stated below in order to submit their application successfully-

  1. Apply through the Common Application Portal/MBA Portal or download the PDF form for LLM depending upon the course preference.
  2. Fill out the basic information in order to receive an ID and password to proceed with the application work.
  3. Access your application through the ID and password and upload the scanned documents, along with your English Proficiency proof and passport photo identification page. If you plan to mail the documents, then address the documents at one of the three concerned schools.
  4. Provide your financial guarantee statement and submit the application.
  5. Wait for an acceptance letter that is provided through the mail.

English Proficiency Test Scores

International students with a non-English primary language require proof of English language proficiency. The minimum English proficiency test scores required for admission to Willamette University are:

Test Minimum Score Required
TOEFL iBT 88
TOEFL PBT 570
IELTS 6.5

Visa Process for International Students

Once the student has filled the application form and the Statement of Financial Responsibility, the application of the student is thoroughly examined and his financial responsibility claims are verified. The immigrant’s requirement also suggests the submission of the official score of English proficiency test scores.

Thereafter, he is provided with an acceptance letter and an I-20 or DS-2019 form, which is mandatory for booking an appointment at the nearest US embassy for procuring a US student visa.

The documents that will be required for the visa processing are:

  • Electronic application form
  • Receipt of the application fees
  • A passport.
  • One photograph
  • 1-20 form from the university
  • Transcripts
  • Evidence of English proficiency
  • Financial statements

Willamette University Undergraduate Admissions

College of Liberal Arts offers courses like Classical Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Chemistry, etc. through a definite admission process. There is no application fee for admission to the undergraduate programs at Willamette University.

Where to Apply: Common Application

Admission Requirements: Following are the requirements for the undergraduate application submission-

  • Record of secondary and post-secondary academic work.
  • School report form and counselor recommendation.
  • Optional SAT or ACT scores.
  • Optional evaluation by a teacher.
  • Passport photo identification page.
  • Financial guarantee statement.

Willamette University Graduate Admissions

The university offers graduate degrees in MBA and Law through its professional schools for candidates seeking to study in the USA. The applications for admission to the Willamette University College of Law are accepted as long as the seats are available. The applications are reviewed by the college on a rolling basis. There is no application fee for admission to the law programs at Willamette University. However, the university is not accepting applications for this program for Fall and Spring semesters. Below are the prerequisites and the process of admission to Willamette University:

Criteria MBA Admission LLM Admission
Official Transcripts Required Required
Application Online pdf format
Personal Statement Required Required
LOR 2
GMAT or GRE scores Waivable GRE/ GMAT scores Not required
English Proficiency Test Scores Required Required

Willamette University invites applications from across the globe. These applications are analyzed by the admission committee to see the satisfaction of all the criteria by each candidate. Following the application segregation, some students might be asked to attend an interview depending upon their course preference. The final result is documented keeping in mind the application and interview (if applicable) both.

Students must submit all the admission material positively, including English Proficiency, Financial Guarantee Proof and Passport Identification Page Image, etc. Only when all the documents will be successfully verified, the application will be processed any further.

Placements & Recruiters

Willamette University Placement Details

Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, USA placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Salem, Oregon, USA.

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Placement Metric

Highest Package

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Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

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Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Business: #65 in country
  • Top source: Bloomberg
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Business
  • 1 ranking record in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Business: #43 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 2 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Business, Law
  • 2 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Law: #47 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 2 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Business, Law
  • 3 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Law: #45 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 2 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Law, Business
  • 1 ranking record in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Business: #44 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Business
  • 1 ranking record in 2026

Contact Information

900 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301

+1-503-370-6300