Willamette University Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

Willamette University Acceptance Rate

Willamette University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 79.1%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.

Admissions Guidelines

• Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
• Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.

Selectivity at a Glance

Inclusive

Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 79.1% acceptance rate

Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range

Admission Category

Strategic Requirement

3.97 – 4.00

Target Match

Maintain Rigor & High Testing

3.77 – 3.96

Competitive Reach

Focus on Score Compensation

Below 3.52

Secondary Reach

Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Willamette University GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at Willamette University is 3.97. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.

To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A's in all courses.

If your GPA is between 3.67 and 3.97, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.

Check Your Admission Chances at Willamette University

Willamette University Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into Willamette University Without SAT or ACT?

Willamette University Average SAT Score: 1339

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Willamette University is 1339 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

SAT 1339 — Competitive

This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1339 on the SAT.

If your score is below 1220, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Willamette University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

It means that if you have scored less than 1220 then you are below most of the admitted students at Willamette University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1430 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350

Can I get into Willamette University with a 1450 SAT?

With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Willamette University are good but the admission staff at Willamette University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Willamette University ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Willamette University is 30.

ACT Competitiveness

ACT 30 — Very Competitive

This score makes Willamette University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

Can I get into Willamette University with a 32 ACT?

A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Willamette University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Willamette University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Willamette University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Willamette University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 30

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Willamette University

Willamette University Profile

Is a Willamette University Degree Worth It?

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Willamette University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

School	Location	SAT	ACT
University of Alabama in Huntsville	Huntsville, AL	1321	28
Auburn University	Auburn, AL	1318	28
University of the Pacific	Stockton, CA	1303	27
University of San Francisco	San Francisco, CA	1313	29
Fairfield University	Fairfield, CT	1323	31
United States Coast Guard Academy	New London, CT	1290	28
University of Delaware	Newark, DE	1297	29
Florida State University	Tallahassee, FL	1323	29
Rollins College	Winter Park, FL	1304	29
Agnes Scott College	Decatur, GA	1296	29

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Willamette University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

School	Location	SAT	ACT
Hendrix College	Conway, AR	1336	29
University of Denver	Denver, CO	1344	31
University of Connecticut	Storrs, CT	1338	31
Centre College	Danville, KY	1345	29
Bentley University	Waltham, MA	1340	31

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Willamette University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

School	Location	SAT	ACT
Santa Clara University	Santa Clara, CA	1417	32
Colorado School of Mines	Golden, CO	1403	31
Connecticut College	New London, CT	1412	32
Trinity College	Hartford, CT	1396	32
American University	Washington, DC	1392	31

Degree Programs at Willamette University

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Willamette University →

Frequently Asked Questions About Willamette University Admissions