About
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.
Admissions
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
Campus Life
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.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
- There are 247 full-time faculty members, with an average of 15 years of teaching experience.
- 90% of the faculty hold the highest degree in their field.
- Willamette faculty have been named Oregon's Professor of the Year a record 11 times since 1990.
- They have published 1,000+ books and articles in their respective fields.
- Willamette faculty members have won $100+ million in research grants.
- Willamette faculty members mentor over 1,000 students each year.
Career Opportunities
Internship opportunities at Willamette University
Willamette University offers varied internship and part-time job opportunities for students, available in several industries, including:
- Business: Such as marketing, finance, and accounting.
- Education: Local schools, tutoring programs, and other educational organizations.
- Government: Local, state, and federal government agencies.
- Law: Law firms, legal aid organizations, and government agencies.
- Nonprofit: Nonprofits that work in social justice, environmental protection, and healthcare.
- Technology: Tech companies in Salem, Portland, and Silicon Valley.
In addition to these specific industries, Willamette University students can also find internship and part-time job opportunities in some other fields, such as:
- Arts and humanities
- Communication
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
Placement of Willamette University
Placement: Willamette University graduates have a high rate of job placement after graduation. According to the university's career centre, 92% of graduating seniors had a job offer within six months of graduation in 2021.
Hiring Companies: Some of the top employers for Willamette University graduates include:
- Nike
- Intel
- Wells Fargo
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- PwC
- Bank of America
- Boston Consulting Group
- McKinsey & Company
- Bain & Company
Salaries: The average starting salary for Willamette University graduates is $55,000. However, law graduates earn more than business graduates, and graduates in the tech industry earn more than graduates in the non-profit sector.
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Last updated June 10, 2026