What's New at WU?

Counselor Updates 2021-22

Information for High School Counselors 2021-2022

Willamette University has lowered the College of Arts and Sciences published tuition rate - or “sticker price” - by about 20%, from $53,300 to $43,500. We are the first among our peers (in the Pacific Northwest and nationally) to reset our tuition. We’ll continue to offer robust merit scholarship and financial aid as we partner with your students in their academic goals. (The average financial aid package for 2021-2022 was $32,354.) More information about the tuition reset can be found online: https://willamette.edu/offices/finaid/tuition/tuition-reset

What does this mean for your students? Students who attend Willamette “don’t have to mortgage their futures to pay for their degrees.” This tuition reset makes it easier for them to understand how much they’ll pay for college, and puts the extraordinary experience of a Willamette education - with more program options than ever - within reach for more students. In short, we’ve introduced a new way to think about affordability, and countered the perception that price equals prestige.

Innovative Degree Programs and Partnerships

Willamette University and the Pacific Northwest College of Art finalized their merger on June 30, 2021, supported by a $2 million gift from the Arlene Schnitzer Estate. The merger opens exciting possibilities and expanded resources for students at both schools and will reimagine the future of arts education in the Pacific Northwest, strengthening the arts as an economic, cultural and creative driver for the region.

Our new business major gives students access to nationally recognized MBA faculty and specialized career services at the Atkinson Graduate School of Management.

Go further in computer and data science with the Fairweather Fellows Scholarship and Experience Program. Fairweather Fellows receive an annual scholarship of up to $10,000 per year for four years, which may be combined with merit aid. Fellows will have priority access to Computing & Data Science events, access to graduate-level professional development activities, and expert career advising.

Our accelerated and dual-degree programs open the door to undergraduate and graduate degrees in law, business or data science right here on campus, as well as advanced degrees in forestry or engineering at one of our partner institutions.

Personalized learning experiences

Willamette is No. 8 in the nation for student-staff interaction, according to a Wall Street Journal affiliated ranking.

Our College Colloquium course connects first-year students with a dedicated faculty advisor and peer and community mentors. The program also features community-based housing and extended programming that focuses on academics, wellness and community building.

Our Student Success Hub comprises a wide range of offices that connect students with the resources they need to thrive.

The Learning Commons gives students 24/7 access to white/glass boards, projection systems and big screens.

Academic hearths are spaces where students and professors gather to study, talk and eat together.

An enduring value

Our merit-based scholarships range up to $20,000 per year and can be combined with one of these awards:

› Art: Up to $4,000 per year

› Debate: Up to $4,000 per year

› Music: Up to $10,000 per year

› STEM: Up to $10,000 per year

› Theatre: Up to $12,000 per year

› Public health: Up to $11,500 per year

› Environmental science: Up to $4,000 per year

› Fairweather Fellows up to $10,000 per year

We accept up to one year’s worth of coursework for first-year students who’ve completed college-level courses through dual-credit, IB or AP programs.

We provide grants and scholarships to support students involved in internships, study abroad and undergraduate research.

67% of our students have an internship or research experience.

The average mid-career salary of a Willamette grad is $111,000.

Application Basics

› Common Application

› $0 application fee

› Early Decision and Early Action: Nov. 15

› Regular Decision: Jan. 15

› FAFSA opens Oct. 1 (priority deadline is Feb. 1).

› Willamette is test-optional and has been since 2016.

› A School Report and Counselor Recommendation are required as part of the “application basics” for counselors.

Learn more at https://willamette.edu/go/counselor

2021 First-year profile

› Applied: 3680

› Enrolled: 267

› GPA (middle 50%): 3.7 - 4.2

› SAT (middle 50%): 1130 - 1330

› ACT (middle 50%): 24 - 31

› 71% applied test optional

› 24% of applicants are first generation

› 41 States represented

Campus snapshot

› Total enrollment: 2,126

› Graduate students: 541

› Undergraduates: 1,585

› Students of color: 33%

› Men: 45%

› Women: 55%

Learn more

Willamette offers a range of virtual and in-person visit opportunities for you and your students.

Learn more at: https://willamette.edu/go/visit

Willamette University | Office of Admission | 900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301 | 844- BEARCAT (844- 232 -7228) bearcat@willamette.edu | willamette.edu