Schools and Education
There are several top notch colleges in Salem at all levels; community college, public university and private university. Willamette University, a private school, was the first college in Oregon. With approximately 2,600 students and an 11-to-one student to faculty ratio, both graduate and undergraduate programs are available at the university, which is located directly across from the state Capitol. The top undergraduate education programs include social sciences and humanities. However, Willamette University is best known for its graduate program in law.
Chemeketa Community College reaches out to students of all ages, experiences and backgrounds. Many students work toward an associate’s degree, while others simply take a class here or there. On average, over 50,000 students enroll in one or more classes or workshops each academic year. In 2002, the median age of students was 34.5.
Just 20 minutes west of Salem there lies Western Oregon University; a jewel of a public university providing the opportunities of a large public school, but the individualized attention of a small, liberal arts, private college. WOU has a student body of about 5,000, with a majority taking undergraduate coursework. The university is one of few that offers many undergraduate research opportunities. A solid reputation has been built upon WOU’s teacher education program, arts and pre-professional programs such as biology.
Fun Facts
City population: 135,000
Metro population: 2.4 million
Size: 40.8 square miles
Average temperature (January): 46.9 (max) / 37.0 (min) F
Average temperature (July): 81.6 (max) / 50.7 (min) F