About

Private

University Type

$52,920

Average Living Expenses

Willamette University is a private liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1842, it is the oldest university in the Pacific Northwest and the 11th oldest university in the Western United States. The university offers 50+ undergraduate majors and minors, and several graduate programs. Willamette University has an enrollment of 3,000+ students, an acceptance rate of 80%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.

Willamette is also home to the Atkinson Graduate School of Management, one of the oldest and most respected business schools in the Pacific Northwest. Willamette is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their chosen careers and lives, through opportunities in research, internships, and service learning. The average annual tuition fee for international undergraduates at Willamette University is $43,500, and $44,900 for international graduates.

Willamette's campus is home to some historic buildings, modern facilities, gardens and green spaces, providing students with a beautiful place to study and relax. Willamette University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #76 in National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Top Reasons to Study in the Willamette University

  • Rigorous Academics: Willamette University offers a challenging academic curriculum preparing students for success in graduate school, professional school, and the workforce.
  • Diverse Community: Willamette University is a diverse community of students with students coming from different backgrounds and experiences, creating a vibrant and stimulating learning environment.
  • Commitment To Civic Engagement: Willamette University encourages students to get involved in their communities, by offering varied opportunities for them to volunteer, intern, and participate in social justice initiatives.
  • Strong Alumni Network: Willamette University has a strong alumni network providing students with support and mentorship after graduation. Alumni are successful in several and are always willing to help Willamette students achieve their goals.

Cost of Studying at Willamette University

Average tuition fee

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$65,838

Average living expenses (Masters)

$52,920

Average on-campus living expenses

$7,900

Admissions at The Willamette University

How to Apply at Willamette University

UNDERGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to Willamette University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

Apply: Willamette accepts the Common Application and the Coalition on Scoir.

  • Submit Official Transcripts: Official copies of all records of secondary and post-secondary academic work.
  • Submit School Report Forms and Recommendations: Counsellors must submit this through the Common Application or Scoir.
  • Submit English Proficiency Test Scores.
  • Submit SAT/ACT Scores (Optional.)
  • Submit Letters of Recommendation (Optional.)
  • Submit Passport Photo Identification Page.
  • Submit Financial Guarantee Statement.

POSTGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to Willamette University for graduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Begin the undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate application.
  • Upload your high school and/or university transcripts or final examination results.
  • Indicate how you meet PNCA’s English language proficiency requirements.
  • Upload other supporting documents: colour scans of your passport and U.S. visa, if you are currently studying in the U.S.
  • Submit your application.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Here are the steps on how to apply to Willamette University for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:

  • Begin the undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate application.
  • Upload your high school and/or university transcripts or final examination results.
  • Indicate how you meet PNCA’s English language proficiency requirements.
  • Upload other supporting documents: colour scans of your passport and U.S. visa, if you are currently studying in the U.S.
  • Submit your application.

Documents Required to Apply to Willamette University

UNDERGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to Willamette University as an international undergraduate applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Academic Records.
  • School Report Form and Counselor Recommendation.
  • Official English Language Test Score.
  • Passport Photo Identification Page.
  • Financial Guarantee Statement.

Optional:

  • SAT or ACT Scores.
  • Teacher Evaluation.

POSTGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to Willamette University as an international postgraduate applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • Counsellor Recommendations.
  • Official English Language Test Score.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Passport Photo Identification Page.
  • Financial Guarantee Statement.

Additional:

  • Resume or CV.
  • Writing Samples.
  • Research Proposal.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Documents needed to apply to Willamette University as an international master's or PhD applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • Counsellor Recommendations.
  • Official English Language Test Score.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Passport Photo Identification Page.
  • Financial Guarantee Statement.

Additional:

  • Resume or CV.
  • Writing Samples.
  • Research Proposal.

Exams Accepted By Willamette University

Willamette University accepts the following English Proficiency tests and scores from international applicants:

  • TOEFL: 560 PBT; 220 CBT; 83 iBT.
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • DET: 105
  • PTE: 60
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Rankings for The Willamette University

More rankings for this university

In the 2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings:

  • #76 among national liberal arts colleges.
  • #88 among best-value schools.
  • #70 among top performers on social mobility.

Willamette University is also ranked #147 in the 2022 edition of THE World University Rankings by Subject for Law.

Here are some other rankings that Willamette University has received:

  • Forbes: #263 in America's Top Colleges (2021)
  • Washington Monthly: #52 in National Universities (2023)
  • Princeton Review: #20 in Best Colleges for Internships (2023)
  • Niche: #1 in Best Colleges in Oregon (2023)

Students Willamette University

Alumni at Willamette University

Willamette University has a long and distinguished history of producing notable alumni. Here are a few of the most notable:

  • Norma Paulus (1976): Former Oregon secretary of state and U.S. Senator.
  • Daryl Chapin (1929): Physicist who co-invented the solar cell.
  • Shemia Fagan (2003): Current Oregon secretary of state.
  • James Cuno (1973): Art historian and museum director.
  • Carina Corner (2017): Blind student who overcame cancer and graduated from Willamette.
  • Terry Cooney (1933): Former Major League Baseball umpire.
  • George Cannady (1935): First Black graduate of Willamette University.

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Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
Oregon

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Transportation in the city

  • Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) is a light rail system serving the Portland metropolitan area. It has two lines, the Red Line and the Blue Line, connecting Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, and Hillsboro.
  • Portland Streetcar is a streetcar system serving downtown Portland and the Pearl District. It is a great option for getting around the city centre without having to worry about traffic.
  • TriMet Buses operate throughout the Portland metropolitan area. They are a great option for getting around the city if you are on a budget.
  • Salem-Keizer Transit (SKT) is the public transportation system for Salem and Keizer, Oregon. It operates buses throughout the two cities, as well as a commuter train to Portland.
  • Willamette Valley Regional Transit (WVIT) is a public transportation system that serves the Willamette Valley region of Oregon.

Services offered by the university

Willamette University offers varied services to its students, including:

  • Academic Support: Willamette University offers academic support services to help students succeed in their studies, including tutoring, writing assistance, and academic advising.
  • Health Services: The Student Health Center provides preventive, primary, urgent, and follow-up care for students; alongside STI and HIV testing, mental health services, and sexual assault support.
  • Technology Support: The WITS office provides students with technology support for their computers, software, and other devices; alongside offering training on how to use technology effectively.
  • Career Development: The Career Development Center helps students with their career planning and job search; offering resume and cover letter writing assistance, interview preparation, and job fairs.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Willamette University offers varied programs and services to support students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds. These services include the Multicultural Affairs office, the Gender Resource and Advocacy Center, and the Chaplains office.

Student life at Willamette University

  • Clubs and Organizations: There are 100+ student organizations at Willamette University, covering varied interests, from academic clubs to fraternities and sororities. Some popular organizations include the Outdoor Program, the Debate Team, and the Mock Trial Team.
  • Athletics: Willamette University is a member of the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. The Bearcats compete in 19 varsity sports, including men's and women's basketball, football, soccer, and lacrosse.
  • Performing Arts: Willamette University has a theatre company, a dance company, and a music department offering many ensembles. There are also art galleries and museums on campus, as well as a concert hall that hosts varied performances throughout the year.
  • Service: Willamette University students are encouraged to get involved in service to the community, through volunteering at local organizations, such as soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and animal shelters.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Willamette University's location is renowned for its lush forests, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. Students can go hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking.

On campus accomodation at Willamette University

  • Eastside Residence Halls are located on the east side of campus and are home to first-year students, offering varied room types, including singles, doubles, and triples.
  • Kaneko Commons is a newer residence hall located on the west side of campus, offering room types, including singles, doubles, and suites. Kaneko Commons is also home to the university's dining hall.
  • University Apartments are located on the west side of campus and are available to junior and senior students. The apartments offer several floor plans, including singles, doubles, and three-bedroom suites.
  • Accessibility Housing is available for students with mobility disabilities. These rooms are located in residence halls and apartments throughout campus.
  • Learning Communities are for students with shared interests, such as the First-Year Inquiry Program, the Environmental Studies Learning Community, and the Global Studies Learning Community.
  • Sorority and Fraternity Housing is located on Wilmette University's eastside and is available to students who are members of a Greek organization.
  • Cost: The cost for first-year students living in Eastside residence halls is $9,400 per semester, while for returning and transfer students living in University Apartments is $10,300 per semester.

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