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Eastern Oregon University vs Willamette University: which has better ROI?

Public, La Grande OR · vs · Private nonprofit, Salem OR

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Willamette University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,484 in 11.8 years versus 39.2 years at Eastern Oregon University, on median earnings of $56,911 vs $50,112 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEastern Oregon UniversityWillamette University
Net price / yr$17,148$25,121
Total net cost$68,592$100,484
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,112$56,911
Median debt$20,500$21,500
Payback39.2 yrs11.8 yrs
20-year net return-$33,552$70,536

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Eastern Oregon University or Willamette University?

Eastern Oregon University, at $17,148 a year after aid versus $25,121 — a gap of $7,973 a year, or $31,892 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Eastern Oregon University or Willamette University graduates earn more?

Willamette University graduates report a median $56,911 ten years after entry, $6,799 more than the $50,112 at Eastern Oregon University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Eastern Oregon University or Willamette University?

Eastern Oregon University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Willamette University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Willamette University, against 43% at Eastern Oregon University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Eastern Oregon University vs Willamette University: frequently asked questions

Is Eastern Oregon University or Willamette University a better value?
Willamette University. It clears its $100,484 net cost in about 11.8 years versus 39.2 years at Eastern Oregon University, on median earnings of $56,911 vs $50,112 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Oregon University or Willamette University?
Eastern Oregon University: $17,148/yr net price after aid versus $25,121/yr at Willamette University — a difference of $7,973 a year, or about $31,892 over four years.
Do Eastern Oregon University or Willamette University graduates earn more?
Willamette University graduates earn a median $56,911 ten years after entry, versus $50,112 at Eastern Oregon University — a $6,799 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.