University Spotlight: Willamette University
If you’re looking for a vibrant, close-knit community where academics, creativity, service, and leadership flourish, you might find your home at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Founded in 1842, Willamette is the oldest university in the western United States, blending a rich history with innovative programs and a forward-thinking spirit.
One of the prestigious Colleges That Change Lives, Willamette is a private liberal arts university with four professional schools:
College of Law
Atkinson Graduate School of Management
School of Computing & Information Sciences
Pacific Northwest College of Art
It’s a place where you don’t just study: you create, lead, and contribute to something bigger.
At a Glance
🎓 Type: Private, 4-year liberal arts institution
📍 Location: Salem, Oregon
👩🎓 Undergraduates: ~1,620
🎓 Graduate students: ~550
📚 Academic Programs: 56
📐 Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1
👥 Average class size: 12
🌎 Study Abroad Partnerships: 70+
Academic Excellence & Signature Programs
Willamette offers rigorous academics and countless ways to learn beyond the classroom. With 56 majors, some of the most popular areas of study include:
Environmental Science
Psychology
Political Science
Business
Computer & Data Science
Performing Arts
Studio Art
You’ll also find innovative dual-degree programs, where students can earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time:
3+1 BS/MS in Data Science or Computer Science
3+2 BA/MBA or BS/MBA
3+3 BA/JD or BS/JD (Law)
Willamette ensures that 100% of students have the chance to participate in research, internships, or study abroad before graduating — setting you up for success in your career and beyond.
Campus Life & Community
Life at Willamette is active, supportive, and full of opportunities to connect.
✨ Over 90 clubs and organizations ranging from student government, Greek life, and multicultural groups to campus recreation and affinity clubs
🎭 20 music ensembles & performing arts clubs
🏀 20 NCAA Division III athletic teams in the Northwest Conference
💡 70,655+ service hours contributed annually by students
All first- and second-year students live on campus, fostering a strong sense of community. You’ll enjoy dining, the Spark Athletics Center, and a welcoming environment where faculty have open office hours and “hearths” for informal student-faculty connections.
Applying to Willamette
Willamette uses the Common Application (no application fee!) and practices holistic review, looking at:
Transcript: course rigor, grade trends
Essay: topic and writing quality
Activities: depth and impact
Recommendations: your potential contributions
📅 Important Dates:
August 1: Applications open
November 1: Early Action, Early Decision, & Spring Entry deadline
January 15: Regular Decision deadline
April 15: Fall Transfer priority deadline
May 1: Enrollment deadline
Optional application materials include SAT/ACT scores, a resume, extra recommendations, and an interview.
Paying for Willamette
Willamette is committed to making education accessible. In fact, 100% of students receive financial aid, and all are eligible for on-campus jobs.
💸 Merit Scholarships:
$26,000–$34,000 automatically considered
Leaders Award ($1,000) for early applicants
Competitive and endowed scholarships in areas like debate, music, theatre, environmental science, STEM, and more
On average, Willamette awards $42 million in scholarships annually.
Estimated Costs (2025–2026):
Tuition
Per Semester - $26,970
Per Year - $53,940
Fees, Room & Board
Per Semester - $8,657
Per Year - $17,314
Total
Per Semester - $35,627
Per Year - $71,254
Why Willamette?
At Willamette, you’re not just earning a degree, you’ll become part of a transformative community where purpose meets opportunity. Whether you’re engaging in hands-on research, studying abroad, performing on stage, or serving your community, Willamette gives you the resources, mentorship, and experiences to thrive.
Ready to explore more? Learn about visiting campus, upcoming info sessions, or starting your application at willamette.edu.
