Washington College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington College in Chestertown, MD with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Washington College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington College 8:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Washington College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington College or Willamette University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Willamette University than Washington College ($29,421 vs. $29,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 11.5% lower than at Washington College ($16,150 vs. $18,250).
• Washington College is 8.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $4,170 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at Washington College than at Willamette University (about $4,170 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Washington College as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington College students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($43,485 vs. $38,080).

Washington College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington College or Willamette University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Willamette University and Washington College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 70 points higher than at Washington College (1270).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Washington College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 1140/1390; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Washington College (3.71).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Washington College (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Washington College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington College and Willamette University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Washington College's (75%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington College graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.