Whatcom Community College
About Whatcom Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Whatcom Community College teaches in Bellingham, between Seattle and the Canadian border, and keeps dormitories. It is known for its cybersecurity program, and business and allied health are among its other largest.
Founded
1967
Location
Bellingham, Washington
Students
2,378
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
36.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$5,115
Out-of-state: $11,037
Avg Net Price
$11,795
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$44,092
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
36.4% complete their degree within three years
Retention
Not reported
Transfer Out
16.1%
The federal survey collects no first-year retention cohort for this college.
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$10.9K
Class Size
Medium
The 36.4% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$5,115
In-State
$11,037
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,982
Books & Supplies
$528
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,672
After Financial Aid
$11,795
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,814
Receive Grants
20.6%
Take Loans
5.3%
The total cost of attendance runs about $19,672/yr, including $17,982 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $11,795.
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 Whatcom Community College fund their education.
While in School
20.6%
Get Grants
Free money
5.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$19,256
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$10,643
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$113/mo
Monthly Payment
0.4%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $10,643, and less than 0.4% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Whatcom Community College.
Gender
56.9%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,378
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
41.2%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
26.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 41.2% 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
2,378
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Whatcom Community College fields 3 varsity teams with 97 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NWAC
Northwest Athletic Conference
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
3
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
97
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
51
Men
46
Women
2
Men's Teams
3
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Whatcom Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,092
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$27K
383 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
—
56 grads
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
$45K
53 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
—
50 grads
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$83K
33 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
13 grads
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $44K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Whatcom Community College
How much does Whatcom Community College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Whatcom Community College?▾
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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.