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How to Get Into Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

Willamette University Admissions Statistics

77%
Acceptance Rate
640-730
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
600-710
SAT Math (mid 50%)
28-33
ACT (mid 50%)
1,592
Undergrads
71%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into Willamette University

The bar here is clear

Willamette University admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1240-1440 combined SAT or 28-33 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Since scores are not required (test-optional) here, submit only if you're inside or above the band; a below-band score is information you don't have to volunteer.

Use the Early Decision round deliberately

Willamette University offers Early Decision, which is binding. The early bump is real but overstated (hooked applicants cluster early and inflate it). Spend ED once, on the school where it actually moves you a tier, and only if the money works without comparing aid offers. If that school is Willamette University, the deadline table below is your calendar.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where Willamette University fits.

Willamette University Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Early Action (EA) November 1, 2025
Early Decision (ED) November 1, 2025
Regular Decision (RD) May 15, 2026

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $0
Test scores Not required (test-optional)
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Required

Willamette University Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $67,501
Tuition & fees $51,156
Room & board (on campus) $16,150
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $25,121

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $16,182
$30-48k $16,825
$48-75k $18,225
$75-110k $22,382
$110k+ $33,794
24%
Students receiving Pell Grants
39%
Students taking federal loans
87%
Freshman retention rate
13:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use Willamette University's Official Net Price Calculator →

More Willamette University Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for Willamette University:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at Willamette University, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into Willamette University, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon Willamette University's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships Willamette University students actually win

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