Willamette University
Willamette University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Willamette University at a Glance
Willamette University is a private liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1842, it is the oldest college in the Western United States. Originally named the Oregon Institute, the school was an unaffiliated outgrowth of the Methodist Mission. The name was changed to Wallamet University in 1852, followed by the current spelling in 1870. Willamette founded the first medical school and law school in the Pacific Northwest in the second half of the 19th century.
1842
184 years old
$329M
$328.7 million (2025)
2,402
1,367 undergrad
247
60 acres
Identity
Is Willamette University Worth It?
Willamette University offers moderate value at $25,121/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $56,911, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Willamette University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #23 of 107 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #2 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #4 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #5 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #6 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #23 | Willamette University | 41 | $25,121 | $56,911 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Willamette University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in OR.
Best Programs at Willamette University
The highest-earning program at Willamette University is Economics at $33,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Anthropology at $25,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Economics graduate from Willamette University earns $33,000, while a Anthropology graduate earns $25,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Economics graduates carry $19,500 in median debt vs. $21,250 for Anthropology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,121/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | $33,000 | $33,000 | $19,500 |
| Political Science and Government | $32,500 | $32,500 | $23,500 |
| Psychology, General | $30,000 | $30,000 | $26,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $29,000 | $29,000 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $27,500 | $27,500 | $21,250 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $25,800 | $25,800 | N/A |
| Anthropology | $25,600 | $25,600 | $21,250 |
Similar Colleges in OR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Salem, OR
- Student Body
- 1,592 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,121
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,911
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500