Western Washington University
Western Washington State College
Bellingham, Washington 98225-9008
Campus Vibe
Known for business
Western Washington University is a public urban institution in Bellingham, Washington. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1235.
A large campus of 13.6K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
66% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,569 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,680.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Western Washington University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1235
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
71.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
103
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (117)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
80%
- •80% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Old Main In 1886, WWU was established as the Northwest Normal School, a teachers' school predominantly for women although men also enrolled, by Phoebe Judson in Lynden, Washington.
- •The school later moved to Bellingham (then "New Whatcom").
- •Governor John McGraw signed legislation establishing the New Whatcom Normal School on February 24, 1893.
- •In 1895, construction began on a permanent school building, now known as Old Main, the current administration building.
- •The first official class entered in 1899, composed of 88 students.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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