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Western Washington University

Western Washington State College

Bellingham, Washington 98225-9008

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Campus Vibe

Urban

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.

Established
1893
Motto
"Make Waves"
Mascot
Victor E. Viking
Type
Public university
Conference
NCAA Division II
Division
Division II

Campus Visits

116 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Tour
91%Acceptance
1235SAT Avg
13,574Students
17:1Student:Faculty
66%Grad Rate
$62,569Earnings 10yr
$18,680Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Western Washington University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate91.3%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1235

Reading & WritingMid: 615
570690
MathMid: 585
540660

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 26
2329

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

91.3%

Trend

SAT Avg

1235

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,286
Tuition (out-of-state)$27,853
Room & Board$14,915
Books & Supplies$1,176
Total Cost of Attendance$28,305
Average Net Price$18,680
Median Debt at Graduation$18,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$196

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,416
$30–48K$12,741
$48–75K$16,177
$75–110K$21,581
$110K+$25,698

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$18,680

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

7200.0%

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

Programs (117)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
13,574
Gender Split
58% / 42%
Women / Men
First Generation
27%
Pell Grant Recipients
21%

Race & Ethnicity

White 69%
Black 2%
Hispanic 11%
Asian 6%
Two+ 9%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate65.5%
Freshman Retention79.7%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$45,272
8 Years$53,473
10 Years$62,569

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$43,600
Men
$60,000

Rankings

U.S. News
#18
Washington Monthly
#52

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

124High

Estimated from WA state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

Seattlepop. 740K
79 mi(137 min)
Portlandpop. 650K
223 mi(387 min)
Salt Lake Citypop. 200K
756 mi(1310 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Western Washington University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications