Think Ahead
The transition to college is often described as “venturing out on your own.” At Willamette University, nothing could be further from the truth.
We embrace learning as a collective endeavor—where shared experiences and diverse perspectives enhance all minds. Together we’ll push forward faster, creating knowledge and making discoveries that could never be made in a solitary pursuit.
Along the way, we’ll encourage you and your classmates to step outside the norm with new ideas, groundbreaking research, and unconventional artistic works. You’ll become an agile 21st-century thinker who’s ready to excel in a complex, ever-changing world.
Be imaginative
At Willamette, you’ll explore multiple disciplines encompassing the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. You’ll learn how to bridge ideas and practices across this wide range of perspectives, approaching problems in innovative ways and finding imaginative solutions. And you’ll put your knowledge to work in internship, service, and study abroad opportunities that speak directly to your interests.
You’ll also learn from some of the top educators in the country—our professors have won numerous national awards for excellent teaching. Whatever you study, you’ll work alongside caring mentors who take a keen interest in your life and talk to you long after office hours have ended for the day. When you apply for a job or graduate school, they’ll write you a recommendation that makes you stand out.
Learn from everyone around you
Small classes are just the starting point of your academic experience at Willamette. Our academic hearths are spaces where you can study, talk, and enjoy meals with your professors and peers. And our Student Success Hub will connect you with the resources you need to succeed.
In this intimate learning community, you’ll engage, you’ll discuss, you’ll debate, you’ll connect—and you’ll thrive.
Find new ground and break it
You don’t have to wait until graduate school to conduct high-level research. Our students collaborate with professors on innovative studies, present their findings at national conferences, and enhance our understanding of the world in an array of academic disciplines. So can you.
We offer more than 75 undergraduate research grants annually, which means you can get paid to study what you love. And you can explore your interests in fields ranging from the sciences to the arts. The possibilities are limitless.
Be a difference maker
Civic engagement lies at the core of a Willamette education, and it begins on campus. You can promote sustainability as a student senator, advocate for reform as a member of the Restorative Justice Coalition, or reach out to communities near and far.
“Not unto ourselves alone are we born” is more than our school motto—it’s the way we live every day. And we’ve inspired generations of Willamette students to pursue lives of service and meaning.
Get the full college experience
Willamette is intellectually challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun. With more than 90 student organizations, 19 NCAA Division III teams, and dozens of intramural sports to choose from, you’ll find all kinds of ways to tap your talents and make the most of your time.
You can get involved in Greek life, DJ for KWU Radio, celebrate your heritage in one of our multicultural clubs, or bring big-time acts to campus for the Willamette Events Board. And when it’s time for a break, you’ll always find good food and great conversation at The Bistro, our student-run coffeehouse.
Plug into the power of proximity
Salem is a hub of politics, business, health care, and research. You can intern for policymakers across the street at the state capitol, conduct historical studies at the Oregon State Archives, shadow doctors at Salem Hospital, or work side-by-side with state economists.
You’ll also be less than an hour from Portland, where you can work for organizations like Nike, Intel, and Oregon Health and Science University. Whatever you study, you’ll find countless ways to turn your knowledge into action. And by the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared for the nation’s leading organizations and graduate schools.
Discover enduring value
Invest in something that will pay off for the rest of your life. The average mid-career salary of a Willamette grad is $107,200, and our students graduate more quickly than their peers at public universities. You’ll start your career sooner and maximize your earning potential.
Our aid packages can include need- and merit-based scholarships, work-study plans, grants, and loans. Let us guide you through the process and show you how affordable a Willamette education can be.
Visit us
Come spend a day with us. Tour campus, talk to students, meet with a professor, and explore our majors. You’ll discover a learning community that‘s open to your ideas and committed to your success. You can schedule your visit at willamette.edu/go/visitnow.
Apply to Willamette
You’re going places, and we’ll help you get there. Take the next step and apply to Willamette University today. We offer test-optional admission, and we use the Common Application exclusively to streamline the process. To get started, go to willamette.edu/go/applynow.
