Western Washington University
About Western Washington University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
WWU is a public university in Bellingham, Washington, between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. It is known for its strong programs in education, environmental science, and business, and its campus overlooking Bellingham Bay.
Founded
1893
Location
Bellingham, Washington
Students
14,502
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
64.6%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$9,582
Out-of-state: $28,707
Avg Net Price
$21,193
After financial aid
SAT Average
1289
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$62,569
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$70
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 31
Western Washington University accepts the majority of applicants at 93.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1289/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
64.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.4%
4-Year Grad
43%
6-Year Grad
68%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
71.4%
$/Student
$13.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 43% graduation rate is below average, but 79.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,582
In-State
$28,707
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,747
Books & Supplies
$1,224
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,359
After Financial Aid
$21,193
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,915
Receive Grants
20.9%
Take Loans
29.2%
The full cost of attendance is about $30,359/yr for in-state students, including $15,747 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $21,193. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $28,707.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Washington University fund their education.
While in School
20.9%
Get Grants
Free money
29.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$51,312
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$196/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 29.2% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Washington University.
Gender
56.9%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
13,544
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
958
Graduates
26.7%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 26.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
13,544
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Western Washington University fields 7 varsity teams with 488 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
Great Northwest
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
488
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
246
Men
242
Women
4
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Washington Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,569
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$32K
240 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$31K
207 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$68K
128 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$23K
128 grads
1yr Earnings
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
$27K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$43K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $45K at six years, $43K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Washington University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Washington University?▾
How much does Western Washington University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Western Washington University?▾
How much do Western Washington University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.