Academic Comparison between Portland State and Willamette

Portland State University and Willamette University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Portland State is a four-year, public school located in Portland, OR and Willamette is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Salem, OR.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Portland State is a public and Willamette is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Willamette has more expensive tuition & fees ($51,156) than Portland State ($29,136).
  • It is harder to admit to Willamette than Portland State.
  • Portland State has more students with 19,951 students while Willamette has 2,180 students.
  • Willamette has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Portland State's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Portland State has more full-time faculties with 716 faculties while Willamette has 175 full-time faculties.
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Portland State Willamette
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Portland State Universityvs.Willamette University
Portland, OregonLocationSalem, Oregon
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$11,118
Out-Of-State$29,136
2025 Tuition & Fees$51,156
54%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$10,442Average Amount of Financial Aid$35,423
90.87 %Acceptance Rates77.09 %
18.21 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.25 %
-SAT Score1,360
-ACT Score31
53 %Graduation Rate71 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate-
76 %Retention Rate87 %
19,951Student Population2,180
716Number of Faculties175
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services