Willamette University vs Pacific University: which has better ROI?
Pacific University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $141,092 in 11.5 years versus 11.8 years at Willamette University, on median earnings of $60,583 vs $56,911 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Willamette University | Pacific University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,121 | $35,273 |
| Total net cost | $100,484 | $141,092 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,911 | $60,583 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $23,223 |
| Payback | 11.8 yrs | 11.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $70,536 | $103,368 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Willamette University or Pacific University?
Willamette University, at $25,121 a year after aid versus $35,273 — a gap of $10,152 a year, or $40,608 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Willamette University or Pacific University graduates earn more?
Pacific University graduates report a median $60,583 ten years after entry, $3,672 more than the $56,911 at Willamette 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, Willamette University or Pacific University?
Willamette University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $23,223 at Pacific University, a difference of $1,723. 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 67% at Pacific 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.