Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Bellingham, Washington |
| Online | wwu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Western Washington University (WWU), situated in Bellingham, Washington, offers a scenic campus backdrop with views of the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Founded in 1893, WWU is a public institution that emphasizes a liberal arts education alongside comprehensive science and professional programs. Around 90 miles north of Seattle, the campus spans 220 acres, showcasing Pacific Northwest architecture with a modern twist. WWU provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strength in areas such as environmental science, education, and the fine and performing arts. The university has a moderately selective admissions process and offers a range of on-campus housing options for its students. Known as the Vikings, WWU participates in NCAA Division II athletics but is not particularly distinguished for its sports programs.
In the most recent statistical year 11,864 prospective students applied, and 10,997 were granted admission. Of those admitted 3,223 enrolled in the school. 12,938 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,809 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $7,760 plus fees of $1,207. Western Washington University is ranked 378 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Western Washington University is rated within the top 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Western Washington University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#378 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#103 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Colleges in Washington
#2 in Best Public Colleges in Washington
#557 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Value Colleges in Washington
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1130/1340 |
| ACT | 25/30 |
| GPA | 3.46 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Washington Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,086 |
| Other Fees | $1,207 |
| Room and Board | $14,691 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,131 |
| Total One Year Cost | $28,875 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,086 |
| Other Fees | $1,207 |
| Room and Board | $14,691 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,131 |
| Total One Year Cost | $46,781 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 13% |
| Social Sciences | 13% |
| English and Literature | 8% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 6% |
| Psychology | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Western Washington University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=237011 IPEDS survey data for Western Washington University.
Current students may use the Western Washington University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.