Willamette University

Willamette University admits approximately 61% of applicants, making it a less selective law school relative to the national average. Applicants with a strong undergraduate record and reasonable LSAT scores have a solid chance of admission. The school provides accessible entry into legal education for students building toward bar passage and professional practice. Enrolled students posted LSAT scores from 151 at the 25th percentile to 157 at the 75th percentile, a typical 6-point spread that reflects a fairly defined applicant profile. Applicants should focus on crafting a thorough application that demonstrates commitment to the legal profession.

Willamette University falls in the higher-cost tier for law school tuition. The full-time non-resident tuition is $56,600 per year plus $80 in required fees. Living costs off campus are estimated at $22,828 per year. Over three years, sticker-price costs at this school can exceed $169,800 before living and fees. Prospective students should investigate scholarship eligibility carefully, as even a partial award meaningfully reduces three-year net cost. Public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) and income-driven repayment (IDR) plans may also factor into the long-term financial calculus for graduates entering public interest or government roles.

Scholarship funding at Willamette University is widely distributed: 94% of full-time students receive some form of grant aid. The partial median scholarship of $20,000 per year — ranging from $10,000 at the 25th percentile to $30,000 at the 75th percentile — indicates that merit and need-based awards are broadly available. This high grant prevalence suggests that applicants with above-median academic credentials have a realistic opportunity to reduce their cost of attendance meaningfully. Prospective students should request a scholarship estimate directly from the financial aid office and should not assume that the sticker price reflects what most students actually pay.