Willamette University
Salem, Oregon · Private
Willamette University admitted 81% of 3,995 applicants (Common Data Set 2022-2023). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1240–1420 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 73% of students graduate within six years.
This college’s newest public report is from 2022-2023, so some numbers may be out of date.
Your chances at Willamette University
Enter a score to see whether Willamette University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (81%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Willamette University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application is free. Willamette University asks for the Common App personal essay and a counselor recommendation.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Willamette University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 77% (23 of 30), compared with 81% for all applicants.
Willamette University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
What admissions weighs
How Willamette University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- Essay
Important
- Recommendations
- Interview
Considered
- Test scores
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- Race or ethnicity
Not considered
- State residency
- Religion
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.96 GPA. 41% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $67,501 a year. After grants, students paid $27,716 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Willamette University’s acceptance rate?
Willamette University admitted 81% of applicants: 3,220 of 3,995 (Common Data Set 2022-2023).
When is Willamette University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Willamette University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1240 to 1420, with a median around 1320. A score at or above 1320 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Willamette University’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Willamette University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Willamette University asks for the Common App personal essay and a counselor recommendation.
Does Willamette University have supplemental essays?
No. Willamette University has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
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