Western Washington University Overview

Western Washington University is a four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Bellingham, WA. It has an enrollment of 13,933 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 96.10%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $9,717. Tuition is $8,703.00 without financial aid.

Western Washington University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Western Washington University, 80.72% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Western Washington University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1.

Western Washington University Website

Western Washington University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 96.10%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1206.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 26.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Western Washington University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $9,717. The in-state tuition is $8,703.00. Out-of-state tuition is $25,930.00

The average tuition is:

• $3,885, when family income is less than $30,000

• $4,818, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $7,842, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $14,157, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $16,098, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 28.80% of students received a federal student loan and 22.19% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $25,930.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Western Washington University Net Price Calculator

Western Washington University Majors/Salaries

Western Washington University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Western Washington University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,029
• Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,142
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,650
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $81,333
• Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,826
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,328
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $51,482
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,818
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $29,685
• Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,325
• Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,465
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
• Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,704
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,874
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,222
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,872
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,007
• Mathematics. (Master’s Degree) – $78,343
• Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,141
• Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,840
• Biological and Physical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $16,874
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,538
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,812
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,423
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,748
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,119
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,432
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,793
• Human Services, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,990
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,983
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,214
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,779
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,119
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,814
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,658
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $18,185
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $60,920
• Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $76,460
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,522
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,572
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,696
• International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,461
• Management Information Systems and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,012
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,426

Western Washington University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Western Washington University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.42%
• Asian: 6.46%
• Black: 1.87%
• Hispanic: 10.80%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.14%
• Non-resident alien: 0.86%
• Two or more races: 9.60%
• Unknown: 1.62%
• White: 68.23%

At Western Washington University, 8.32% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Western Washington University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Western Washington University?

Western Washington University has a vibrant school spirit atmosphere. The university has a strong athletic program, and the sports teams, such as the Vikings, are celebrated by the student body. The university also holds several traditions that encourage school spirit, such as Homecoming, Winter Fest, and Viking Days. Additionally, Western offers a variety of clubs and organizations that focus on school spirit, including the Spirit Squad, which consists of cheerleaders, dance teams, and mascots. Overall, there is a sense of pride and community at Western Washington University that encourages students to participate in school spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Western Washington University?

Western Washington University (WWU) offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs for students. Some popular extracurriculars at WWU include: 1. Associated Students (ASWWU): This is the student government organization at WWU, which provides students with opportunities to get involved in campus activities and represent the student body. 2. Club Sports: WWU offers a wide range of club sports, including soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and more. 3. Outdoor Center: The Outdoor Center at WWU offers outdoor adventure trips and rentals, such as hiking, kayaking, and skiing. 4. Performing Arts: WWU has several performing arts groups, including theater, dance, and music. 5. Greek Life: Several fraternities and sororities are present on campus. Other popular extracurriculars at WWU include sustainability-related activities, community service organizations, cultural clubs, and academic clubs related to various programs and majors.

How are the food choices at Western Washington University?

Western Washington University offers a variety of food choices on campus. The dining halls provide a range of options from vegan and vegetarian to gluten-free and halal meals. There are also food courts, cafes and micro-restaurants on campus that serve a variety of foods such as pizza, sandwiches, salads and stir-frys. Western Washington University also has a Farmers Market which offers locally sourced and sustainable food options. Overall, the university offers plenty of options to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences.

Is there Greek life at Western Washington University?

Yes, there is Greek life at Western Washington University. The university has 17 recognized fraternities and sororities on campus. These organizations are a mix of national, local, and multicultural groups and are overseen by the Office of Student Life. Additionally, there is a Greek Council that governs and supports these organizations. Students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority at Western Washington University can participate in recruitment events held by the individual organizations during the fall and winter quarters.

What is Western Washington University known for?

Western Washington University is known for its strong programs in environmental science, education, business, and performing arts. It is also notable for its commitment to sustainability and its beautiful location in Bellingham, Washington near the Puget Sound. Additionally, WWU consistently ranks highly in various college rankings, including U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best public universities in the western region of the United States.

What are the most popular school clubs at Western Washington University?

At Western Washington University, some of the most popular school clubs include the Backpacking Club, Outdoor Center, Dance Collective, Black Student Union, WWU Climbing Club, and the Ecology Club. There are many other clubs and organizations available to students at WWU, so there is something to suit a variety of interests and hobbies. Students can find more information about the various clubs and organizations available on the WWU website.

Is the campus at Western Washington University safe?

Yes, the campus at Western Washington University (WWU) is generally considered safe. The university takes campus safety seriously and has a dedicated police department that works to keep the campus secure. WWU also provides a variety of safety resources to students, including an emergency notification system, safety escorts, and campus safety training programs. As with any college or university, it’s important for students to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.