93.25%

Acceptance Rate

$6,127

Avg.Financial Aid

003802

FAFSA Code

Western Washington University (WWU) Report Card

Selectivity
93.3% acceptance rate
Academics
B-
65% graduation rate
Class Size
D
18:1 student-faculty ratio
Value
B+
$28,707 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

Key Facts: Western Washington University (WWU)

Institution
Western Washington University (WWU)
Type
Public

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

Western Washington University (WWU)

  • Type Control of Institution - Public/Private

    Public

  • Acceptance Rate:

    N/A

  • Level

    4 Years

  • Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.

    Not applicable

  • Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.

    NWCCU

  • Website

    www.wwu.edu
  • Student Population Number of Students attending College

    13,544

  • On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?

    Yes

Western Washington University sits between the Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound, offering Pacific Northwest natural beauty with a genuinely engaged student body. The academics are solid—strong programs in sciences, engineering, business, and liberal arts. This is a selective regional university where you're expected to be thoughtful about your education.

Bellingham is a genuine college town: bookstores, coffee shops, outdoor recreation everywhere, and a student-friendly vibe. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained, with strong residential life and outdoor clubs that take advantage of the setting. You'll find an environmentally conscious, engaged student body that actually cares about community.

WWU appeals to students who want a mid-sized university experience with a liberal arts sensibility. The outdoor recreation access is phenomenal, and the campus culture emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. If you're looking for academic rigor with a conscience, in a genuinely beautiful setting, Western Washington delivers authentically.

Location & Contact

Address

516 High Street, Bellingham, Washington

Contact

Phone: (360) 650-3000
Find Your School

Rankings

Forbes and US News provide rankings to the universities, which are trusted everywhere. But this is applicable only if the universities are located in the US. It is generally considered that the ranking of any university helps a prospective student in a lot of ways. While taking admission to a particular college/university, its ranking helps the student determine various factors that include its research excellence, the performance of its students after completion of the degree, student experience, and academic success. The rankings by US News and Forbes are considered trustworthy by applicants as well as experts. Western Washington University, however, doesn't feature in the list of top colleges, according to the latest rankings of US News and Forbes.

Admissions

  • Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.

    31st Jan

  • Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.

    93.25%

  • SAT Range

    1080 - 1280

  • SAT/ACT

    Recommended

  • ACT Range

    22 - 29

  • High School GPA

    Required

  • Application Fee

    $60

  • Accept Common App

    No

The students can make the most out of the admission process as the admission at the university is fairly easy. Western Washington University has 3 admission thresholds. Candidates are required to fill the form and submit a fee of $60, as part of the admission process at WWU. The SAT score in the range of 1060-1280 would boost a student's chances of securing admission. A candidate, in order to take admission to Western Washington University, must score 25 in her ACTs. But, in certain cases, those having ACT scores less than 22 are also given admission. The application process can be completed online. However, if needed, one can also visit the office at 516 High Street, Bellingham, Washington 98225-9008, or call (360) 650-3000.

Annual Cost to Attend

  • Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.

    $21,193

  • Average Annual Cost

    $9,582

Additional Costs:

  • Books And Supplies

    $24,077

  • Other Fees

    $1,088

  • Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.

    $11,466

  • Budget For Other Expenses

    $3,561

Total One Year Cost

$24,077

Before applying to WWU, candidates must keep in mind the tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure. The total one-year cost on a full-time basis would be somewhere around $33,178. Students can also explore numerous financial aid options offered by the university.

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Master's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

18:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

79%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

49%

Academic Calendar

Quarter

Research Funding per Student

$568

Faculty Overview

54%

Male Professors

46%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Most Popular Majors:

  • Natural Resources Conservation and...

    187 Graduates

  • Psychology, General

    169 Graduates

  • Computer and Information Sciences,...

    166 Graduates

  • Business Administration, Management...

    148 Graduates

  • Sociology

    141 Graduates

  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, G...

    108 Graduates

  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing St...

    107 Graduates

  • Human Services, General

    106 Graduates

  • Sociology

    141 Graduates

  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, G...

    108 Graduates

  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing St...

    107 Graduates

  • Human Services, General

    106 Graduates

  • Political Science and Government

    106 Graduates

  • Communication and Media Studies

    102 Graduates

  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Ot...

    102 Graduates

  • Marketing

    100 Graduates

  • Special Education and Teaching

    99 Graduates

  • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs

    94 Graduates

  • English Language and Literature, Ge...

    92 Graduates

  • Economics

    89 Graduates

  • Anthropology

    85 Graduates

  • History

    82 Graduates

  • Accounting and Related Services

    79 Graduates

  • Fine and Studio Arts

    75 Graduates

  • Journalism

    69 Graduates

  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studi...

    68 Graduates

  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and...

    68 Graduates

  • Design and Applied Arts

    67 Graduates

  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosc...

    60 Graduates

  • Management Information Systems and...

    60 Graduates

  • Finance and Financial Management Se...

    59 Graduates

  • Biology, General

    52 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    51 Graduates

  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomica...

    49 Graduates

  • Teaching English or French as a Sec...

    49 Graduates

  • Mathematics

    48 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    48 Graduates

  • Communication Disorders Sciences an...

    44 Graduates

  • Health and Physical Education/Fitne...

    40 Graduates

  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

    37 Graduates

  • Registered Nursing, Administration,...

    36 Graduates

  • Chemistry

    35 Graduates

  • International Business

    35 Graduates

  • Geography and Cartography

    34 Graduates

  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences

    33 Graduates

  • East Asian Languages, Literatures,...

    32 Graduates

  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Relate...

    32 Graduates

  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecu...

    28 Graduates

  • Music

    23 Graduates

  • Philosophy

    23 Graduates

  • Sustainability Studies

    23 Graduates

  • Biological and Physical Sciences

    21 Graduates

  • Electrical, Electronics and Communi...

    21 Graduates

  • Mental and Social Health Services a...

    21 Graduates

  • Manufacturing Engineering

    20 Graduates

  • Applied Mathematics

    19 Graduates

  • Physics

    19 Graduates

  • Area Studies

    18 Graduates

  • Research and Experimental Psycholog...

    16 Graduates

  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, an...

    14 Graduates

  • Archeology

    13 Graduates

  • Polymer/Plastics Engineering

    13 Graduates

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General...

    12 Graduates

  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, an...

    11 Graduates

  • Mechanical Engineering Related Tech...

    11 Graduates

  • Dance

    5 Graduates

  • Mathematics and Computer Science

    2 Graduates

  • Natural Resources Management and Po...

    2 Graduates

  • Computer/Information Technology Adm...

    1 Graduates

  • Industrial Production Technologies/...

    1 Graduates

Show More

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

15,170

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

25%

Full-time / Part-time

92% / 8%

Students Gender

Male

43%

US National: 44%

Female

57%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

71%

Unknown

2%

Black

2%

Hispanic

9%

Two or more races

9%

Non Resident alien

1%

Asian

6%

American Indian/Alaska native

0%

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

0%

Geographic Density

Geographic Density

High

0%

Unknown Location

15%

Out Of State

85%

In State

0%

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$66,707 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and N/A of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

No

Freshmen Live on Campus

N/A

Undergrads in College Housing

27%

Averege Housing Cost

$7,505/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $3,961/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$3,961/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Mr. Viking

School Colors

navy blue and white

Varsity Athletics Association

NCAA

Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

Not applicable

Total Male Athletes

241

Total Female Athletes

228

Intramural Sports

10

Sports Club

32

Sports Team (Men)

Basketball

Cheerleading-Dance Team

Cross Country

Golf

Soccer

Track and Field

Sports Team (Women)

Basketball

Cheerleading-Dance Team

Cross Country

Crew-Rowing

Golf

Soccer

Softball

Track and Field

Volleyball

Campus Security

Students who want to enjoy the campus and lodging life can benefit from the on-campus housing facility provided by WWU. A candidate will be needed to pay a normal expense of $12,036 per year for living on campus. Western Washington University has several dining and meal plan options for its students and the average meal plan at WWU costs around $3,961 per year. The university has enrolled around 43% male and 57% female students.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$35,400/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$45,800/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$12,500 - $27,000

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$130 - $280

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

77%

Average Aid Per Year

$6,127

Students Receiving Federal Grants

25%

Average Aid Per Year

$4,617

Students Receiving State Aid

18%

Average Aid Per Year

$6,453

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

69%

Average Aid Per Year

$3,524

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$13,111

$30K - $48K

$11,806

$48K - $75K

$6,586

$75K - $110K

$2,391

> $110K

$1,251

Total Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$545,040

Total Non-Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$2,320,709

As mentioned, if one finds the fees and cost of living at WWU to be on the higher side, the financial aid department of the varsity would be of huge assistance. They can assist students with scholarships, grants, and student loans as well. The average federal grant that comes from the university is around $4,669, whereas the financial aid is $3,700. The students at the university are provided with state aid and institutional aid. The state aid stands at $6,429, while the institutional aid is $3,700. The total need-based scholarships/grants offered at WWU based on students' financial needs add up to $545,040 per year. Meanwhile, the total non-need-based scholarships/grants in a year come to around $2,320,709.

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Washington University (WWU)

How hard is it to get into Western Washington University (WWU)?

Western Washington University (WWU) is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 93.3%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does Western Washington University (WWU) cost?

Tuition at Western Washington University (WWU) is approximately $28,707 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend Western Washington University (WWU)?

Western Washington University (WWU) enrolls approximately 13,544 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at Western Washington University (WWU)?

The graduation rate at Western Washington University (WWU) is 65%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Western Washington University (WWU)?

The student-faculty ratio at Western Washington University (WWU) is 18:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for Western Washington University (WWU)?

Western Washington University (WWU) typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 590-710 (Reading) and 560-680 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 24-31. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is Western Washington University (WWU) a public or private university?

Western Washington University (WWU) is a public institution.

When is the application deadline for Western Washington University (WWU)?

Application deadlines at Western Washington University (WWU) vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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