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One of the leading private universities in Oregon

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Willamette University is known for educational excellence. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art, where artists, designers, and scholars shape the creative landscape. We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon’s top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest’s oldest law school, as well as MA and MFA programs at PNCA and masters degrees in data science and computer science. With small class sizes, fostering in-depth conversations, guidance from notable professions, and a nurturing environment, Willamette is committed to elevating students’ aspirations and propelling their careers to the next level.

A Willamette student poses for a photo at Commencement with family.

News

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Class of 2023 celebrates excellence and new beginnings

Author | Office of Communications

Commencement speakers captivated graduates with invaluable guidance infused with humor and humility.

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05-10-2023

BA/MBA alum learned to think under pressure and takes the sports world by storm

05-10-2023

Third annual DataFest marked a weekend of hard work, fun, and inter-collegiate engagement

04-26-2023

Overcoming imposter syndrome and uncertainty, Nina Hernandez BA’21, MS’22 finds success in data science

04-04-2023

Exploring international children’s rights in Tanzania

By the numbers

Join the ranks of leading scientists, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, notable artists and change-makers throughout the world.

  • Yearly student community service hours

    Students engaged in internships

    Academic Programs

    Students enrolled

  • Governors, senators & representatives

    Ducks living in the Millstream

    Oregon Supreme Court Justices

    Nobel Prize winner

Willamette's Salem campus stands out as one of the foremost universities near Portland, Oregon

Since 1842, Willamette University has been driving change and delivering top-tier educational opportunities. As a private university in Oregon, Willamette University delivers individualized learning experiences with accelerated programs to help you advance your educational goals. Our Salem campus is located next to the Oregon State Capitol, allowing unprecedented access to state and local government. Within our undergraduate programs, we have tailored majors and minors to help our students focus their education on their specific passions. In the heart of downtown Portland, Willamette’s Pacific Northwest College of Art provides students with a convenient location to explore their passion in one of the most vibrant art scenes and creative cities on the west coast. As one of Oregon’s private colleges, you can also expect professors that will advise you on internships, research, and career paths. Discover the advantages of pursuing your undergraduate and graduate degrees together at Willamette University, a leading graduate school in Oregon. By combining your studies, you can save valuable time while earning both degrees. Learn why Willamette University is the right choice for you.

Undergraduate and Graduate Schools in Oregon

Whether you’re looking to start your higher education experience or advance your career, Willamette University has a comprehensive range of academic programs. Explore our undergraduate and graduate-level programs to learn more. If you have any questions about our academic programs, reach out to request more information. Ready to take the next step with one of the top universities in Portland and Salem? Learn how to apply to Willamette University today.

Learn How to Apply

  • 1859

    First Graduate

    In a time when women were frequently barred from college, Emily York is Willamette's first graduate.

  • 1976

    Female political pioneer

    Trailblazer Norma Paulus advanced women's rights, education and environmental protection. In 1976, she became Oregon's first female secretary of state.

  • 1997

    Special Teams

    Liz Heaston was the first female to play and score in a college football game. Since 1997, Willamette has had two more female kickers.

  • 1935

    First Black graduate

    George Cannady was a Senior Scholar who was involved in football and track. He later became an attorney in Los Angeles.

  • 2017

    Resilience Baked In

    Carina Corner has grown through her experiences of cancer and navigating a sighted-world as a blind person. She's founded a Scandinavian-inspired, vegan bakery in Beaverton where she employs people with disabilities.