First-generation and low-income students have a bright future at Willamette University, according to a national nonprofit that’s working to expand access to higher education.
Strive for College connects aspiring college students with personal mentors to guide them through the admission and financial aid processes. As part of its Strive Five recognition program, the nonprofit honored Willamette for meeting benchmarks related to graduation rates and successful outcomes among traditionally underrepresented students.
Reflecting a longstanding commitment to Pell Grant recipients, Willamette exceeds the national averages for first-year student retention and six-year graduation rates. The university’s Student Success Hub helps make this possible.
In terms of outcomes, more than 25% of Willamette graduates who occupied the bottom fifth of incomes as students moved to the top fifth as adults. This demonstrates the university’s success in preparing students for life after graduation, according to Strive for College.
Strive Five distinctions are a set of data-based performance measures that indicate a tangible commitment to low-income and first-generation students. Colleges that partner with Strive for College and meet the criteria for at least one of these distinctions are awarded a customized badge to highlight their exceptional achievements.
About Willamette University
Based in Salem, Oregon, Willamette is the premier private university in the Pacific Northwest. Willamette’s beautiful, historic campus — located across the street from the Oregon State Capitol and co-located with Tokyo International University of America — features a residential undergraduate College of Liberal Arts and two professional graduate schools: the College of Law and the Atkinson Graduate School of Management.