Western Washington University Admission Requirements

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  • 4 Year
  • Bellingham, WA
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#2 Best Public Universities in Washington

Western Washington University Admission Overview

Western Washington University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Western Washington University admitted 93.2% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.46 GPA (B+) and SAT 1150-1390 / ACT 24-31. Western Washington University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Western Washington University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

93.2%

Admission Standards

Very High

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Western Washington University

Acceptance Rate

The Western Washington University acceptance rate is 93.2%. Last year, 13,162 of 14,115 applicants were admitted. That is the 19th lowest acceptance rate in Washington.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Western Washington University and can you get accepted?

Western Washington University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile. Getting an offer is relatively likely compared with more selective schools, but last year's class still posted a strong academic profile.

Western Washington University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.46. 23% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Western Washington University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.46

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.46

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Western Washington University typically have around a 3.46 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. Western Washington University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #13 in Washington for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Western Washington University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 3.7% Good
3.75 to 3.99 26.8% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 22.8% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 17.5% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 13.9% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 13.7% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 1.6% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Western Washington University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1150-1390

Freshmen who sent SAT

9%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 590
  • Math 560
  • Composite 1150
SAT 25th percentile scores for Western Washington University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 710
  • Math 680
  • Composite 1390
SAT 75th percentile scores for Western Washington University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Western Washington University typically score around a 1270 SAT (middle 50% 1150–1390) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 85th percentile nationally. Western Washington University ranks #8 in the state of Washington and #250 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1150 to 1390

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Western Washington University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1270 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Western Washington University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1390+ Above 75th >96%
1270 to 1390 Avg + 93%-96%
1150 to 1270 Avg - 87%-93%
Below 1150 Below mid-50 <87%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Western Washington University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

24-31

Freshmen reporting ACT

2%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 24
  • Math 22
  • Composite 24
ACT 25th percentile scores for Western Washington University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 33
  • Math 28
  • Composite 31
ACT 75th percentile scores for Western Washington University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Western Washington University typically have around a 27 ACT (mid-50 24–31) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 85th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Western Washington University places #7 among colleges in Washington for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 24 to 31

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Western Washington University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 27.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Western Washington University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
31+ Above 75th >97%
27 to 31 Avg + 93%-97%
24 to 27 Avg - 88%-93%
Below 24 Below mid-50 <88%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Western Washington University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Western Washington University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 8,423 5,635 14,115
Accepted 7,888 5,222 13,162
Acceptance Rate 94% 93% 93%
Enrolled 1,690 1,306 3,019
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 21% 25% 23%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Western Washington University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Western Washington University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not required for admission, but considered if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Jan 31, 2027

Days left to Apply

153

Applicants have 153 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jan 31, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Western Washington University is $70.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Western Washington University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Western Washington University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 93.2% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.46 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1150-1390); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Western Washington University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=237011.

GPA calculator: Western Washington University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026